November 27, 2024
During the NRM Manifesto Week, the State Minister for Animal Industry, Hon. Bright Rwamirama, presented a glowing report on the progress of Uganda’s agriculture sector under the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF). He highlighted key achievements, ongoing initiatives, and future plans aimed at strengthening the sector, which remains the backbone of Uganda’s economy.
Agriculture grew by an impressive 5.1% in the 2023/24 financial year, contributing 24.6% to Uganda’s GDP. These figures underscore the sector’s pivotal role in national economic development. The government has focused on initiatives to ensure food security, enhance export potential, and promote commercialization of agriculture.
Key Achievements
- Coffee Sector Improvement
Uganda’s coffee industry is making significant strides, particularly in enhancing quality. The government distributed 124.7 million coffee seedlings to 207,000 farmers across the country, producing larger coffee beans of screen 18 grade. This intervention aligns with the target of producing 20 million 60kg bags by 2025. - Crop Distribution for Food Security
Distributed over 3,036,893 kilograms of maize under the food security initiative, particularly targeting famine-prone areas.
Supplied 22,158,614 tea seedlings to 24 districts, boosting tea production.
Delivered 537,000 bags of cassava cuttings to farmers in Acholi and Lango sub-regions.
- Value Addition and Industrial Growth
The government supports the establishment of a chocolate factory in Bundibugyo, with feasibility studies already completed. Additionally, efforts to establish a national sugar research center in the Busoga sub-region aim to improve sugarcane varieties, benefiting Uganda’s sugar industry. Investments in cotton, textiles, and palm oil farming also stand out as drivers for job creation and export growth. - Palm Oil’s Transformative Impact
Commercial palm oil farming in Kalangala is proving to be a game-changer. Farmers earn an average of UGX 500,000 per acre per month for 20 years, with income beginning four years after planting. - Dairy and Livestock Support
Dairy farmers have benefited from free pasture seeds, artificial insemination services, and disease control initiatives through vaccine distribution. This has significantly boosted productivity in the livestock sector. - Post-Harvest Handling Improvements
The government has invested in post-harvest handling and storage for grains, helping farmers minimize losses and improve the quality of their produce.
Challenges in Agriculture
Despite these achievements, challenges persist:
- Limited Funding: The sector struggles with inadequate financial resources to meet the growing demand for interventions.
- Mindset Shift: Many Ugandans still perceive agriculture as a low-status occupation, hindering its commercialization.
- Conflict in Some Regions: Internal conflicts, particularly in Karamoja, disrupt agricultural activities and food security.
Way Forward
The government remains committed to addressing these challenges by increasing funding, educating farmers on modern agricultural practices, and ensuring peace in conflict-prone areas. Hon. Rwamirama emphasized the need for mindset change to position agriculture as a lucrative and sustainable sector.
With continued focus on key initiatives and strategic investments, Uganda’s agriculture sector is on a steady path toward transforming the country’s economy and delivering prosperity for all. As Hon. Rwamirama stated, “Agriculture remains the backbone of Uganda’s economy, and with the right support, it will continue to drive us toward achieving our development goals.”
