President Museveni has revealed that Uganda’s agriculture sector grew by 6.7 percent in the 2025/2026 financial year, a significant increase from the average growth rate of 4.2 percent recorded over the past decade.
The President attributed the improved performance to sustained government interventions under wealth creation programmes, including Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), the Parish Development Model (PDM), and Emyooga.
Museveni said the programmes are aimed at transitioning at least 30 percent of households currently outside the money economy from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture.
The President’s message was delivered by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja during the official opening of the 32nd Source of the Nile Agricultural Show in Jinja City.
During the event, Nabbanja toured exhibition stalls where local and international exhibitors are showcasing innovations in agribusiness, including improved seeds, mechanised farming technologies, and post-harvest handling solutions.
In his message, Museveni emphasised that agriculture remains central to Uganda’s economic growth, noting that the sector continues to be a government priority despite the expansion of other sectors such as services, industry, and information and communication technology (ICT).
“Agriculture still remains the main thrust of Uganda’s economic growth. The sector’s contribution to the national GDP has risen to 27.4 percent as at the end of the 2025/2026 financial year, compared to an average of 23 percent over the last 10 years,” Museveni said.
He reiterated that the sector’s growth has largely been driven by government-led wealth creation initiatives aimed at increasing productivity, promoting value addition, and integrating households into the money economy.
“Every household must join the modern money economy by producing either a good or a service within the four sectors of commercial agriculture, services, industry, or ICT,” the President said.
Agricultural show promotes innovation
The State Minister for Agriculture in charge of Animal Industry, Bright Rwamirama, described the agricultural show as more than an exhibition, saying it serves as a national platform for collaboration, learning, and innovation.
“This trade show is more than an exhibition; it is a national platform for collaboration, learning, and growth. It demonstrates our commitment to agricultural transformation, industrialisation, and wealth creation while showcasing the results of government programmes and policies,” Rwamirama said.
Uganda National Farmers Federation (UNFFE) Board Chairman Dick Muganga called for government support towards farmers’ development priorities, including the construction of a modern federation headquarters in Kampala and fencing of the remaining agricultural showground land in Jinja.
The 10-day event has attracted a wide range of exhibitors showcasing modern farming inputs, improved seed varieties, agricultural machinery, and post-harvest equipment aimed at improving productivity and reducing losses.
Among the exhibitors is Meta Plant and Equipment, which is showcasing New Holland tractors designed to support farmers transitioning from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture.
Michael Woodward, the company’s General Manager, said the firm is partnering with financial institutions, including DFCU Bank and Equity Bank, to make agricultural mechanisation more accessible to farmers.
“We are partnering with banks to enable farmers to acquire tractors by paying only 10 percent upfront, with the balance paid in instalments through our financing partners,” Woodward explained.
The annual Source of the Nile Agricultural Show continues to provide a platform for farmers, policymakers, and private sector players to exchange knowledge, showcase innovations, and promote modern agricultural practices aimed at transforming Uganda’s economy.