President Yoweri Museveni has laid out a visionary plan aimed at overhauling the nation’s agricultural agencies to enhance efficiency and foster socio-economic transformation.
Speaking during a recent address, Museveni criticized the performance of existing agencies, arguing that their bureaucratic structures hinder Uganda’s agricultural potential.
The president highlighted the need to transition from fragmented agency systems, such as the National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS), to a more integrated approach that empowers ministries responsible for agriculture.
“It is criminal for these agencies to interfere with our mandate as elected leaders,” Museveni stated, emphasizing the importance of accountability and performance in achieving national economic goals.
Museveni pointed out that, despite the challenges faced by various agricultural initiatives, the government has made significant strides in improving agricultural production and fighting diseases that affect staple crops and livestock.
He stated, “Who defeated the cassava mosaic? Who has been defeating livestock diseases? It is that Ministry,” referring to the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries.
The president’s remarks also addressed the financial implications of maintaining multiple agencies, revealing that, by 2016/2017, the combined costs of these agencies were nearly equivalent to the budgets allocated to the ministries. He called for a rationalization of these expenditures to redirect funds where they can achieve greater impact.
In an impassioned plea, Museveni urged scientists within the agricultural sector to focus on their roles instead of contemplating early retirement. “If you want to retire, you will go with your old miserable pay,” he warned, asserting that the government needs younger personnel ready to commit to the nation’s agricultural future.
Additionally, Museveni underscored the necessity of diversifying Uganda’s agricultural outputs beyond traditional cash crops like coffee and cotton. He enumerated a wide range of products that the government aims to promote, including maize, dairy, fruits, and various cash crops. “Our agricultural strategy seeks to move beyond just these traditional crops,” he declared, noting the resilience of Uganda’s agriculture amid global economic challenges.
The president’s address resonates with ongoing discussions about transforming Uganda’s agricultural sector into a more productive and sustainable enterprise. By streamlining regulatory frameworks and focusing on integrated agricultural management, Museveni envisions a future where agriculture becomes a cornerstone for broader economic growth. As Uganda seeks to bolster its agricultural framework, the president’s commitment to systemic reform signals a proactive approach to navigating the complexities of modern agriculture and securing a prosperous future for the nation’s farmers and producers.
