UK, Uganda partners hold first ever joint forum on agro-industrialisation

Kampala, Uganda – The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries was represented by the Permanent Secretary Maj. Gen. (Rtd) David Kasura-Kyomukama at the first UK-Uganda Agro-Industrialisation Forum that was held today, with representatives of the UK and Ugandan governments, farmers, businesses and development partners discussing collaborations to boost farm productivity, exports to the UK, regional food trade, and climate resilience.

As highlighted by the Permanent Secretary, the UK provides significant financial support to Uganda annually through various channels, including direct funding to organizations and programs focused on development, humanitarian aid, and trade.

“For 2022/2023, UK’s aid budget to Uganda was listed at £32.8 million. Trade between Uganda and the UK is significant; Uganda’s top exports to the UK include coffee, tea, spices, edible vegetables, and mineral fuels. Uganda also exports fish, dairy products, and flowers to the UK. In 2023, Uganda’s exports to the UK were valued at $21.3 million, a significant increase from $10.7 million in 2019,” he noted.

Agro-Industrialisation is a pillar of Uganda’s National Development Plan, through which the government seeks to boost agricultural financing, expand agro-industrial infrastructure, enhance access to technology, and strengthen value chains to increase the country’s agro-exports.

The UK has a long history of collaborating with Uganda’s agricultural sector, for example UK business Nexus Green has worked with the Ministry of Water & Environment to roll out irrigation schemes with farmers across the country.

And the UK’s 39-million-pound Climate Smart Jobs programme is working with businesses, researchers and financial institutions to boost productivity and the climate resilience of farmers across Northern Uganda. And through its Developing Countries Trading Scheme, the UK has made it easier for Ugandan exporters to get their produce on the shelves of UK shops.

H.E. Lisa Chesney, British High Commissioner to Uganda said: “The UK is committed to our partnership with Uganda and working together to accelerate sustainable development and mutually beneficial economic growth. And we know this goal cannot be realised without transforming agriculture as Uganda’s biggest employer. I’m therefore excited to bring together public and private sector leaders to discuss how the UK and Uganda can build on our deep existing links in the agricultural sector, to increase farm productivity, exports, climate resilience, and support Uganda’s ten-fold-growth ambitions” The forum is expected to:

Raise awareness of UK agricultural technologies which can boost productivity and support agro industrialisation.

Link UK and Ugandan agribusinesses to work together Boost Ugandan exports to the UK, using the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme and Uganda Airlines’ direct flight Identify trade barriers and solutions for policymakers.

Engage media houses to focus on climate change challenges and solutions for the agricultural sector.