The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) in Uganda has emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between farmers, manufacturers, processors, exporters, investors, and government agencies to drive the country's agricultural and industrial transformation. This call was made by Dr. Paul Mwambu, Commissioner for Crop Inspection and Certification, at the official opening of the UMA Agricultural Pavilion during the 32nd Uganda International Trade Fair in Kampala on October 7, 2026.
Dr. Mwambu highlighted that Uganda's agricultural sector is central to the country's socio-economic development, contributing 26.5 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and supporting the livelihoods of more than 70 percent of the population. However, he stressed that agriculture must be viewed not only as a source of food and household incomes but also as a major driver of industrialization, exports, and employment.
The agricultural sector's growth, according to Dr. Mwambu, depends heavily on producing reliable, safe, quality, and certified raw materials for manufacturers and processors. Farmers require access to quality agricultural inputs, while exporters must comply with stringent regional and international standards to expand Uganda's presence in global markets. The Tenfold Growth Agenda, Agro-Industrialization Programme, Parish Development Model (PDM), and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) all require a competitive and commercially oriented agricultural sector.
Dr. Mwambu emphasized that agriculture and manufacturing cannot be treated as separate sectors if Uganda is to achieve meaningful economic transformation. The Ministry of Agriculture is committed to strengthening the connection between primary production and industrial processing by improving the quality and safety of agricultural inputs, enhancing sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) compliance, and promoting value addition and agro-processing.
The Ministry is supporting farmer organizations and small and medium-sized enterprises to meet the supply requirements of industries and compete effectively in domestic, regional, and international markets. Dr. Mwambu also highlighted the critical role of regulatory work undertaken through crop inspection and certification in protecting Uganda's agricultural production and trade.
Dr. Mwambu urged stakeholders in the agricultural value chain to invest more heavily in value addition, agro-processing, and industrial innovation. He encouraged manufacturers, farmers, processors, and investors to embrace modern technologies and production systems while maintaining high standards of quality and safety. The adoption of digital traceability systems can also strengthen accountability across agricultural value chains and help Ugandan products meet the requirements of demanding export markets.
Dr. Mwambu commended the Uganda Manufacturers Association (UMA) for creating platforms that bring together manufacturers, farmers, innovators, processors, exporters, financiers, and policymakers. He said UMA's efforts to promote local production, industrial competitiveness, and innovation are aligned with the Ministry of Agriculture's priorities, including expansion of agro-industrial capacity and promotion of import substitution.
Key points
- The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) calls for stronger collaboration between farmers, manufacturers, and government agencies to drive Uganda's agricultural and industrial transformation.
- Dr. Paul Mwambu emphasizes the need for a competitive and commercially oriented agricultural sector to achieve meaningful economic transformation.
- The Ministry of Agriculture is committed to strengthening the connection between primary production and industrial processing to improve the quality and safety of agricultural inputs.
