Parliament Backs Enhanced Support for Smallholder Farmers, Citing Implementation Gaps

Members of Parliament have urged the government to bolster its efforts in supporting smallholder farmers, advocating for an intensified rollout of the National Smallholder Farmers Transformation and Climate Resilience Programme. The call came as Parliament adopted a motion on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, highlighting that the primary obstacle for farmers is the weak execution of existing policies rather than a deficit in legislation.

The initial motion, moved by Hon. Asha Mafabi, sought to establish a legal framework for farmer support. However, it was amended after several legislators and government representatives pointed out that sufficient laws and policies are already in place. The focus of the debate shifted to enhancing the effectiveness of current interventions, including the provision of essential inputs, irrigation facilities, financial aid, and agricultural extension services.

Several MPs, including Hon. Samuel Kungu and Hon. Wilson Kajwengye, argued against creating new laws, stressing the need to concentrate on implementing existing ones. The Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi, supported the motion’s intent, suggesting improvements to address the government’s concerns about practical application.

Concerns were raised that existing support mechanisms, such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), are inadequately funded and that benefits are often disproportionately captured by larger commercial farmers. MPs noted that constituents frequently seek direct assistance for basic necessities like seedlings and fertilizers, indicating a disconnect between policy and grassroots reality.

The State Minister for Agriculture (Animal Industry), Bright Rwamirama, concurred that enhancing the scale and reach of government interventions is crucial. He stated, “The farmer needs irrigation. The farmer needs fertilizers. The farmer needs extension services,” questioning the adequacy of current funding to meet these needs. The amended motion now compels the government to scale up its support for the smallholder farmer programme.

Source: https://www.parliament.go.ug/news/4653/parliament-calls-increased-support-smallholder-farmers