President Museveni's Vision: Beyond Subsistence Farming

Recent commentary has questioned President Museveni’s emphasis on agriculture, with some critics like Mukono Woman MP Sheilah Draville Amaniyo and journalist Assad Mugenyi perceiving it as a fixation on “fruitless mango trees” and a diversion from more pressing national issues during the State of the Nation Address.

However, this perspective overlooks the NRM government’s long-standing strategy for economic development, which centers on four potential growth sectors, including commercial agriculture and value addition. While millions of Ugandan families are engaged in farming, a significant portion still practice subsistence agriculture, often referred to by the President as “okukolera ekida kyonka”—farming solely for sustenance.

The core argument is that food security alone is insufficient; income security is paramount. Moving from subsistence to commercial agriculture, coupled with value addition, is presented as a crucial step to reduce economic hemorrhage, create jobs, and increase national earnings. Examples cited include transforming maize into ethanol, adding value to surplus milk production to reduce imports, and enhancing coffee processing to significantly boost export revenue.

For those without land, the government is actively investing in alternative sectors such as services (transport, hotels, saloons, shops), ICT, and industries. This multi-sectoral approach aims to provide diverse avenues for economic participation and wealth creation.

The article also touches on historical factors like land fragmentation due to inheritance practices and a lingering traditional mentality that hinders progress. President Museveni’s administration is actively working to shift this mindset, encouraging large-scale farming, intensive cultivation, and innovative approaches for those with limited land, referencing successful individuals who have achieved prosperity from modest beginnings.

The government’s commitment is underscored by significant investments in various funds and programs, including Emyooga, the Parish Development Model, the Youth Fund, and the Women’s Fund, alongside support for industrialists through the Uganda Development Bank. The message to critics is clear: the President’s vision is not solely about farming for everyone, but about fostering economic growth across multiple sectors, with ample government support available for those who choose to engage in them.

The writer, Nelson Bwire Kapo, is the Online Editor at State House Uganda.