Uganda Aims to Break Down Government Silos for Agricultural Advancement

Producing more milk, coffee, or grain in Uganda doesn’t automatically translate to better farmer incomes. The journey from farm to prosperity requires a complex chain including healthy livestock, quality seeds, accessible financing, robust infrastructure, processing capabilities, skilled labor, and ultimately, a receptive market.

This realization has prompted the Ugandan government to conclude that agricultural transformation cannot solely rest on the shoulders of the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries. Minister of State for Animal Industry, Bright Rwamirama, emphasized the need for coordinated programs across ministries and government agencies, in line with commitments under the Kampala Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Declaration.

“Government has taken a clear direction that Ministries should not work in isolation or in silos,” Rwamirama stated during a policy dialogue on September 9. The meeting assessed Uganda’s progress in implementing the Kampala CAADP Declaration and its accompanying 2026–2035 strategy, which aims to strengthen food systems across Africa.

Many challenges faced by farmers, such as animal diseases, inadequate inputs, post-harvest losses, and weak market linkages, extend beyond the agriculture ministry’s direct purview. Rwamirama highlighted ongoing investments in improved seeds, disease control, mechanization, and infrastructure as steps towards meeting CAADP strategy requirements.

The government also views agricultural shortages as potential investment opportunities, identifying animal feed, veterinary pharmaceuticals, and vaccine production as areas ripe for new businesses and job creation. However, the African Union points to implementation as the primary hurdle.

Moses Vilakati, AU Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment, noted that Africa’s main challenge has been “implementation, not a lack of discussions.”

Beyond increased food production, Uganda is focusing on value addition, agro-processing, branding, and securing international buyers. Products like honey, shea butter, and various seeds are identified as having significant export potential, with the key question being how to effectively access global markets. This involves building processing capacity, ensuring quality standards, and strengthening market connections. Additionally, the importance of skilled labor and technology in the agricultural value chain was underscored by Labour Minister Simon Mulongo.

Source: The Observer (Uganda)