Summary:

• There are growing calls to split Uganda’s Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries into two separate ministries—one for livestock and the other for agriculture. Swizen Wamala of the Kakumiro Growers’ Cooperative Union argues that this would improve budget allocation and support for farmers.

There are renewed calls for the government to split the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries into two distinct ministries—one focusing on livestock and the other on agriculture. The latest push comes from Swizen Wamala, Vice Chairperson of the Kakumiro Growers’ Cooperative Union, following discussions at the Uganda Development Forum (UDF) Annual Conference held at Pakuba Safari Lodge in Murchison Falls National Park.

Wamala argues that such a split would ensure a more equitable distribution of the national budget, enabling the agriculture sector to function more efficiently and receive the targeted support it needs. He emphasized that separating the two sectors would streamline operations, benefitting farmers across the country.

“I appeal to the government to separate the two ministries as is the case in other countries. We had our Cooperative Bank where we would put our money and shares. We want it revived,” Wamala stated.

Earlier, Retired General Salim Saleh, patron of the UDF, highlighted the forum’s origins in efforts to financially empower communities affected by the LRA insurgency, including discussions with Acholi elders like Norbert Mao. Saleh reaffirmed that the UDF Annual Conference serves as a crucial platform for addressing key issues like food security, poverty alleviation, and the strengthening of cooperatives to enhance the livelihoods of Uganda’s rural communities.