Agriculture
President Museveni, FAO Chief Launch Strategic Push to Transform Uganda’s Agriculture
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has reaffirmed Uganda’s unwavering commitment to agricultural transformation during a high-level meeting with H.E. Qu Dongyu, Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), held Monday at State House, Entebbe.
The two leaders initiated strategic discussions focused on catalyzing Uganda’s agricultural development through sustainable practices, food security, and a holistic approach to well-being.
President Museveni emphasized that agriculture remains Uganda’s top national priority, praising the FAO’s pivotal role in transforming agri-food systems globally. “Agriculture is the backbone of our economy, and it must be transformed if we are to achieve sustainable development,” he stated. He assured H.E. Qu Dongyu of Uganda’s full support and readiness to strengthen collaboration with the UN agency.
Discussions centered on enhancing cooperation in key areas such as sustainable agriculture, food production, and livestock disease control, while also highlighting the broader aspects of well-being, including income security, improved nutrition, and hygiene.
“This is not just about growing food,” President Museveni noted. “It is about improving lives, ensuring income for our people, and building a healthier, more resilient society.”
H.E. Qu Dongyu expressed deep appreciation for Uganda’s continued partnership and commitment to FAO’s mission to defeat global hunger. “Uganda has significant potential for rapid agricultural growth,” he said, pledging FAO’s robust support for the country’s investment priorities in the sector.
The FAO, a specialized agency of the United Nations, leads global efforts to achieve food security in over 130 countries, with a core goal of ensuring access to enough high-quality food for all.
The Director-General’s visit reflects FAO’s alignment with Uganda’s broader socio-economic transformation agenda, particularly in poverty alleviation and rural development.
Following the State House engagement, H.E. Qu Dongyu was received at the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) in Entebbe by Hon. Bright Rwamirama, Minister of State for Animal Industry, and Maj. Gen. (Rtd) David Kasura-Kyomukama, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary.
During this interaction, the FAO chief met with the ministry’s top policy and technical management teams and discussed implementation strategies for ongoing FAO-supported programs.
As part of his three-day state visit, H.E. Qu Dongyu will tour several FAO-backed initiatives across Uganda, with a focus on bridging service delivery gaps in food security, climate-smart agriculture, and livestock health systems.
The field visits are intended to provide direct policy feedback, ensuring that high-level commitments translate into tangible benefits for Ugandan farmers and vulnerable communities.
The deepening partnership between Uganda and FAO marks a renewed national effort to harness international expertise and financing to unlock Uganda’s agricultural potential. By targeting sustainable farming methods, bolstering food security, and addressing income and nutrition at the household level, this collaboration aims to build long-term resilience and accelerate Uganda’s journey toward shared prosperity.
“The future of Uganda’s economy lies in smart agriculture,” said Maj. Gen. Kasura-Kyomukama. “And this collaboration with FAO is a vital step toward that future.”
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