BY OUR REPORTER
The Office of the National Chairman (ONC), under the leadership of Senior Presidential Advisor on Political Affairs and ONC National Coordinator, SPA Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo Uzeiye, has called for a review of Uganda’s agricultural input support framework as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen household production and advance the country’s economic transformation.
Concerns Over Cost and Access to Quality Seedlings
The call follows concerns raised by farmers over the rising cost and limited accessibility of quality seedlings, particularly coffee seedlings, which have made it increasingly difficult for many households to invest effectively in agricultural production.
Tailoring Support to Uganda’s Agro-Ecological Zones
According to the ONC, agricultural support must be tailored to Uganda’s different agro-ecological zones, taking into account suitable crops, planting seasons, farmers’ specific needs and their production capacity. The office noted that a more localised, needs-based approach would help ensure that support reaches farmers in a manner that reflects the realities of their respective regions.
Stronger Coordination and Monitoring Needed
The ONC is also calling for stronger coordination between the Parish Development Model (PDM), agricultural input distribution, extension services and market access. It further emphasised the need for greater transparency in the distribution of agricultural inputs, alongside stronger monitoring mechanisms to ensure accountability and efficiency in implementation.
Driving Household Incomes and Economic Transformation
The overall objective, according to the ONC, is to ensure that farmers are able to effectively invest in their agricultural activities, increase production, and improve household incomes, ultimately contributing to Uganda’s broader economic transformation agenda.