Members of Parliament are advocating for an increase in the budget allocated to the Ministry of Agriculture to support its expanding mandates, particularly in agricultural extension services and the provision of critical inputs such as seedlings.
This call to action comes after a report from the Chairperson of Parliament’s Committee on Agriculture, Hon. Linda Auma, highlighted the ministry’s challenges.
During the presentation, Hon. Auma informed the House that the Ministry of Agriculture has absorbed key functions from several dissolved agencies, including the Uganda Coffee Development Authority, Dairy Development Authority, Cotton Development Organization, and the National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS).
However, she pointed out that the ministry has not received adequate budgetary support to align with its expanded responsibilities.
Alarmingly, Auma noted that the ministry’s budget has been slashed from 1.1 trillion shillings to 806.9 billion shillings, warning that such a reduction would drastically undermine agricultural production and productivity in the country.
Auma voiced her concerns regarding the allocated funds for essential agricultural inputs, expressing that the 15 billion shillings earmarked for coffee seedlings and 5 billion shillings for hoes designated to support smallholder farmers are significantly inadequate.
She emphasized the pressing need for additional resources to meet the agricultural demands on the ground.
Additionally, several MPs raised concerns regarding the delays in seed distribution, revealing that many constituents are struggling to access planting materials in a timely manner.
This issue has become critical, as timely access to seeds is essential for ensuring a successful growing season.
In response to these concerns, Hon. Fred Kyakulaga, the Minister of State for Agriculture, clarified that funding for seedlings has now transitioned to the Parish Development Model.
He acknowledged the ministry’s appeal to retain a portion of the funding during this transitional period to minimize disruption and continue supporting agricultural activities at the grassroots level.
As discussions continue, the future of agricultural funding remains a priority for lawmakers, who emphasize the need for a structured approach to support the sector’s growth and sustainability.
By Francis Lubega
12th April 2025
End
