In a bold move to assert the importance and economic power of Uganda's farming community, the Uganda National Farmers Federation (UNFFE) has announced plans to construct a 16-story headquarters building. This announcement was made during a press conference at the Federation's main offices on Lumumba Avenue in Kampala.
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Federation leaders were clear that this landmark project is a direct response to what they perceive as the marginalisation of farmers. They emphasised that the initiative is entirely self-funded by farmers' contributions, designed to demonstrate that agriculture is far from a "poor man's occupation" but is, in fact, a cornerstone of national wealth and development.
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A Vision for a Modern Agricultural Hub
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The Federation's president outlined the project's details. The planned high-rise will house various offices and facilities dedicated to supporting farmers and driving agricultural development.
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Official Timeline
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· Plan Finalisation: After a meeting with H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the Federation's patron.
· Construction Start: Scheduled to begin immediately following the meeting with the President on January 11, 2026.
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Farmers Voice Support and Criticisms
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The announcement has resonated strongly with the Federation's large membership base, which includes approximately 2 million farmers. Prominent farmer Henry Kasozi, who cultivates 100 acres of pumpkins, supported the move. He stated that farmers have been left behind for too long and welcomed the President's attention to their sector, asserting that "farmers are very important".
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Another farmer, Sylvester Musoke Nsambu, along with Joseph Magezi, credited the current government's National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS) program for helping them improve their crop yields. They noted that many farmers are now prospering and are prepared to support the government in future elections to safeguard these gains.
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However, the leaders also expressed concern over a growing trend among Ugandan youth, who, they say, are abandoning farming, selling off ancestral land, and opting for other ventures, such as motorcycle (Boda Boda) transport. They stressed that this is a misguided path and that "agriculture is superior".
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Background: A Long-Standing Advocate for Farmers
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The Uganda National Farmers Federation is the country's largest non-governmental farmer organisation. Founded in January 1992, it transformed into a federation in 2002 and represents a network of 116 district and commodity-specific associations.
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Historically, Uganda's economy has been heavily reliant on agriculture, blessed with fertile soil and favourable weather. However, the Federation points out that many young people are now leaving this vital sector to their ageing parents and migrating to cities in search of office jobs.
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The construction of its own significant headquarters is positioned by UNFFE not just as an infrastructural achievement, but as a powerful symbol of the sector's permanence, prosperity, and central role in Uganda's future.
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