Farmers and local leaders in Kamuli District have been urged to prioritize food safety, post-harvest handling, and market financing to strengthen agricultural value chains and ensure sustainable livelihoods.
The advice came during the Food and Nutrition Security Marketplace, which also highlighted innovative projects and community land title distribution aimed at boosting food security and economic resilience.
Speaking at the event held at Butansi Sub County headquarters, State Minister for Agriculture Fred Kyakulaga, through the Ministry’s Food and Nutrition Security Coordinator Julius Twinomatsiko, stressed that while Uganda is rich in agro-ecological potential, limited technology, poor infrastructure, and weak post-harvest practices continue to constrain production and market access.
“Unsafe food is as good as no food. We must instill planning, food safety, and sustainability in all projects,” he said.
Deputy Ambassador of the Netherlands Bouwe Jan Smedding echoed the importance of agriculture over temporary resources such as oil, urging participatory approaches to strengthen food and nutrition systems.
“Today is the day to connect, learn and be inspired through inclusive planning that improves livelihoods,” he said.
The Netherlands Embassy has supported numerous projects, including SNV-INCLUDE, INSPIRE, BRIGHT Project IFDC, and Cordaid’s A-GRIP, focusing on livestock, crop production, sustainable practices, and market linkages.
SNV INCLUDE Project Deputy Project Manager Judith Okuonzia Tomma highlighted soil fertility loss, low yields, and pest outbreaks as key challenges.
Projects like INCLUDE (livestock) and INSPIRE (crop production and irrigation) are working to improve soil health, value addition, and market access.
Local farmers shared tangible benefits from participation.
Christine Isanga Kimbugwe, vice chairperson of Greater Kamuli Cassava Cooperative, reported that good post-harvest handling has allowed farmers to supply over 50 tons of cassava monthly and secure contracts with the upcoming Dei Bio Pharma vaccines factory.
Florence Muyama Wakoba from Bukalasa Women’s Group Bududa emphasized that Netherlands-supported initiatives have economically empowered women, enabling them to run businesses and support families.
The Marketplace included project pitches, exhibitions, interactive sessions, and direct business connections between farmer organizations, input suppliers, financial institutions, and agribusinesses.
Additionally, 10 out of 710 local residents received community-owned land titles processed by Cordaid, providing legal recognition and security for their land.
The Minister praised the collective efforts, saying the gathering marked “a significant step forward in enhancing agricultural productivity, food security, nutrition, and overall food system transformation in Uganda.”
