The Minister of State for Local Government, Hon. Justine Nameere Nsubuga, has tasked Local Governments to document all non-functional Government agricultural investments in their respective areas within the next two weeks to enable Government to address the challenges affecting them.
Hon. Nameere, who represented the Minister of Local Government, Hon. Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, made the call during a two-day meeting with Local Government leaders and technical staff to discuss strategies for transforming Uganda’s agricultural sector.
The meeting, organised by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, brings together Local Government political and technical leaders, as well as representatives from Ministries, Departments and Agencies to discuss strategies for strengthening agricultural service delivery.
Hon. Nameere said the documentation will give Government a clear picture of agricultural investments that are no longer functional and the challenges affecting their operation, adding that she will push the matter at Cabinet level to find solutions.
“I want you to document all the Government agricultural investments that are non-functional within the next two weeks. We shall take this matter forward and push for solutions at Cabinet level,” Hon. Nameere said.
Responding to the staffing gaps raised by the Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Hon. Frank Tumwebaze, Hon. Nameere said districts should urgently recruit agricultural extension workers to address the existing gaps.
She noted that strengthening extension services is critical to providing farmers with the technical guidance required to improve production and productivity and transition to commercial agriculture.
Hon. Nameere said Local Governments have a critical role in agricultural transformation through the delivery of extension services, agricultural planning, mechanisation, market linkages and value addition.
However, she noted that inadequate staffing, limited funding, infrastructure gaps, weak coordination and other institutional challenges continue to affect the effective delivery of agricultural services at the local level.
Hon. Nameere also called for stronger accountability mechanisms to ensure that Government investments in agriculture remain functional and deliver value for money.
She urged Local Governments to promote commercial farming, strengthen farmer groups and cooperatives, expand access to inclusive financing, improve rural infrastructure and build partnerships with the private sector.
“Agriculture presents us with a big opportunity for our economic take-off. The issue is in what priorities we set, who conceptualises, designs and delivers them, and who accounts for and sustainably carries on the invested effort,” Hon. Nameere said.
Hon. Nameere urged Local Government leaders and technical staff to take responsibility for their respective roles and ensure that Government programmes and investments translate into tangible benefits for communities.
Hon. Nameere was accompanied by officials from the Ministry of Local Government led by the Commissioner for Local Economic Development, Mr. Anthony Namara.
