Uganda's Edward Mukiibi leads Slow Food into a new global era

Wednesday 15 July 2026 - 08:15

By: Sahili Aya

Uganda's Edward Mukiibi leads Slow Food into a new global era

The Slow Food movement is entering a new chapter under the leadership of Ugandan farmer and agronomist Edward Mukiibi, who is working to expand the organization's global reach while preserving the principles established by its late founder, Carlo Petrini.

Forty years after Slow Food emerged in Italy as a campaign defending local food traditions, Mukiibi says the movement must evolve to address today's challenges, including climate change, food security and the livelihoods of small-scale farmers across the developing world.

From Italian protest to international movement

Founded in 1986 following opposition to the opening of Italy's first McDonald's restaurant, Slow Food grew from a local cultural campaign into an international organization promoting sustainable, locally produced and ethically sourced food.

Its philosophy of "good, clean and fair food" has gained supporters across dozens of countries, encouraging environmentally responsible agriculture while protecting culinary traditions and biodiversity.

Following the death of founder Carlo Petrini in May, Mukiibi has pledged to continue building on the movement's legacy while adapting it to a rapidly changing global food system.

A farmer bringing a global perspective

At 39, Mukiibi combines international leadership with hands-on farming experience. He manages a family farm near Lake Victoria in Uganda, where coffee and bananas are cultivated, giving him firsthand insight into the realities facing agricultural communities.

He believes the movement's principles are equally relevant in Africa, Asia and Latin America, where farmers confront rising production costs, climate-related disruptions and increasing competition from industrial agriculture.

Mukiibi argues that sustainable food should not be viewed as a luxury reserved for affluent consumers but as a practical approach capable of improving nutrition, strengthening rural economies and protecting natural resources.

Preparing Slow Food for future challenges

Having served as Slow Food's vice president before becoming president in 2022, Mukiibi is expected to seek another term later this year.

His leadership focuses on ensuring that the organization remains relevant in an era marked by environmental pressures, changing consumer habits and growing concern over the sustainability of global food production.

As Slow Food looks beyond its European origins, Mukiibi's vision reflects a broader effort to make the movement more representative of the communities that produce much of the world's food while continuing to advocate for fair and sustainable agricultural systems.