Ugandan President on Thursday called to increase milk consumption in schools as milk is an almost perfect food for children.

President Yoweri Museveni made the call when opening the three- day first eastern and southern African school milk conference in Kampala under the theme of "Milk in School, Realizing Nutritional and Economic Benefits" which was attended by delegates from 20 African countries.

Museveni sadly noted that the milk consumption is still very low in Uganda in spite of the many nutritional benefits from it and its products.

He said milk contains fats for energy, proteins for growth and brain development, Vitamin A, B and D for body protection, minerals like calcium for strong teeth and bones.

The president said Ugandans should stop importation of milk and milk products which, just like second hand clothes, cripples Uganda's own local industries, adding that people should concentrate on consumption of locally produced milk and products as measures are being made to increase and improve production.

Speaking at the occasion, Ugandan Minister of Education and Sports Namirembe Bitamazire said that "as of now, over seven million children are in primary schools and the program specifically targets this category because we need to produce quality children in order to have quality education."

She stressed that the school milk campaign is timely, saying that her ministry is currently working to increase enrollment in primary schools, improve performance, reducing drop out rates especially for girls and improve health for children at school.

She called for donors' support in the school milk program and partnership of the stakeholders especially parents to ensure the success of the program.

Source: Xinhua