Despite Sector Contributing 24% to GDP, Key Initiatives Like NARO Research & PDM Left Underfunded KAMPALA – Uganda's agriculture sector, which employs over 70% of the population, faces a shocking budget cut in FY2025/26, with only 750.54 billion UGX allocated out of the 1.52 trillion UGX required – leaving a 772 billion UGX deficit.
Budget Breakdown: The Critical Gaps
- NARO Research: Dr. Yona Baguma warned of underfunding for fall armyworm pesticides and other innovations.
- PDM Implementation: Minister Hellen Adoa admitted Parish Development Model funds were "stretched too thin."
- Army Projects: UPDF's NEC farms (seeds, poultry) received 0% of requested 100bn UGX.
- Disease Control: Only 6.23bn UGX granted for livestock vaccines (vs 62bn UGX need).
Ministers' Contradictory Defense
While Deputy AG Minister Bright Rwamirama prioritized "irrigation and value addition," MPs grilled officials over:
⚠️ 48m UGX for farmer training (vs 6bn UGX request)
⚠️ 30bn UGX for pest control (half the required 60bn UGX)
MPs Demand Action
Legislators accused the Finance Ministry of neglecting subsistence farmers, urging immediate reallocation to:
- Seed multiplication
- Veterinary services
- Post-harvest handling
"How do we fight poverty when the backbone of our economy is starved of funds?" – Opposition MP.
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