The Government of Uganda has reported significant progress in implementing the agricultural priorities outlined in the National Resistance Movement (NRM) 2021-2026 Manifesto. A new status report from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries highlights major achievements in agricultural commercialization, value addition, mechanization, and disease control, underscoring the sector’s role as a driver of economic growth.
Key Achievements
Growth in Coffee and Maize Production
Uganda’s coffee sector has experienced tremendous growth, with export earnings increasing from USD 559 million in 2020/21 to USD 1.14 billion in 2023/24. This improvement was supported by the distribution of over 124.7 million coffee seedlings and 150,000 bags of organic fertilizers to farmers.Maize production also surged by 35%, rising from 3.5 million metric tons in 2020/21 to 5 million metric tons in 2023/24. The government attributes this growth to innovations in research and improved seed distribution programs.
Dairy and Livestock Industry Expansion
The dairy sector recorded remarkable progress, with milk production climbing from 2.81 billion liters in 2020/21 to 5.3 billion liters in 2023/24. Export earnings from dairy products more than doubled, increasing from USD 92.4 million to USD 257.5 million. The establishment of milk collection centers and processing facilities has enhanced quality control and market access for dairy farmers.To combat livestock diseases, the government supplied over 19 million doses of vaccines, successfully controlling outbreaks of diseases such as Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia.
Irrigation and Mechanization Transforming Farming Practices
The expansion of irrigation infrastructure has played a critical role in mitigating climate change impacts, enabling year-round farming. Over 125 valley tanks and several irrigation schemes have been constructed across the country.Mechanization efforts have also been scaled up, with the government distributing over 1,000 tractors and 600 walking tractors to farmers. These initiatives have reduced labor-intensive farming practices while boosting agricultural productivity.
Challenges and Future Plans
Despite the successes, the tea sector has faced setbacks, with production declining from 84,446 metric tons in 2020/21 to 76,975 metric tons in 2023/24 due to limited access to fertilizers. The government has pledged to address this by increasing fertilizer procurement for tea farmers.Plans to bolster industrialization in agriculture are also underway. Feasibility studies have been completed for the establishment of a chocolate factory in Bundibugyo and a coffee soluble plant to improve value addition to Uganda’s agricultural exports.
Conclusion
The report underscores that Uganda’s agricultural sector is on course toward commercialization and industrialization, with farmers benefiting from increased productivity, expanded market access, and higher incomes.As the NRM government moves into the final phase of its 2021-2026 commitments, it remains committed to leveraging agriculture as a cornerstone for food security, job creation, and economic transformation.
