Museveni Encourages Iranian Investors to Prioritise Agro-Processing Over Farming

President Yoweri Museveni has called upon Iranian investors to channel their resources into setting up agro-processing factories in Uganda. Rather than acquiring large tracts of land for direct commercial farming, the President emphasized that the country must prioritize value addition before exporting agricultural produce.

Speaking during a meeting at State House in Entebbe with the outgoing Iranian Ambassador to Uganda, Majid Saffar, Museveni noted that Uganda presents immense investment opportunities in processing key commodities such as coffee, cocoa, and pineapples. He stressed that industrialization in the agricultural sector is crucial for creating jobs, expanding trade, and boosting export earnings.

“The best way is to build factories in Uganda to process agricultural products from our Ugandan farmers. Let the people here produce, and your companies process,” Museveni told the ambassador.

This collaborative model relies on local Ugandan farmers continuing to produce raw materials, while foreign investors build the industrial infrastructure needed to turn them into higher-value goods. Ambassador Saffar acknowledged Uganda’s agricultural wealth, noting that several Iranian companies are eager to support cooperatives and agricultural unions to promote trade and employment.

Apart from agriculture, the discussions between the two leaders touched on expanding bilateral cooperation into healthcare and education. They also addressed broader geopolitical issues, including regional security in the Middle East. Museveni advocated for abandoning identity-based politics, suggesting that lasting peace requires mutual recognition between nations, including Iran recognizing Israel and Israel recognizing Palestinian statehood.

The meeting concluded with Museveni thanking Ambassador Saffar for a successful diplomatic tour of duty in Uganda and wishing him well in his future assignments.

Read the original story on Nile Post.