Uganda gears up to implement continental agriculture strategy

Uganda recently hosted a pivotal high-level policy dialogue focused on embedding the CAADP Kampala Declaration and its associated Strategy and Action Plan (2026–2035) into national policy. This significant three-day meeting convened senior government officials, representatives from the African Union Commission, and various government agencies. The primary objective was to ensure that continental agricultural goals translate into concrete national actions, investments, and measurable progress.

The dialogue builds upon Uganda’s role in hosting an extraordinary African Union Summit earlier in 2025, where the Kampala CAADP Declaration on Building Resilient and Sustainable Agri-Food Systems in Africa was adopted. This declaration, alongside the continental strategy, prioritizes enhancing sustainable food production and fostering agro-industrialization across Africa.

Uganda’s approach is to integrate the CAADP implementation within existing national frameworks, including the Uganda Vision 2040, National Development Plan IV (NDP IV), and the 2026–2031 NRM manifesto. This strategy aims to leverage the country’s agricultural potential to boost household incomes, create employment, ensure food and nutrition security, develop competitive agro-industries, and increase exports, as highlighted by the State Minister for Animal Industry, Lt Col (Rtd) Bright Rwamirama.

Discussions also emphasized the need to move beyond primary production towards agro-processing, value addition, branding, and market development, particularly for key commodities like milk, coffee, tea, and honey. The AU Commissioner for Agriculture, Moses Vilakati, urged collective action to transform the Kampala Declaration from a set of commitments into implemented, results-driven initiatives. He stressed the importance of continental cooperation to support farmers with better access to fertilizers, extension services, climate-smart agriculture technologies, and markets. The State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, affirmed Uganda’s commitment to coordinating efforts and strengthening the relationship with the AU for successful implementation.

This dialogue, concluded on September 11, 2026, underscores Uganda’s dedication to advancing its agricultural sector on both national and continental levels. The source article can be found at: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/uganda-moves-to-implement-africa-agriculture-plan-5594066