Uganda Parliament debates support for smallholder farmers

The Ugandan Parliament has debated a motion aimed at enhancing support for smallholder farmers through a proposed National Smallholder Farmers Transformation and Climate Resilience Programme. Originally, Sironko District Woman Representative Asha Nabulo moved a motion to enact a dedicated legal framework to address challenges such as climate shocks, low productivity, and limited access to financing.

Following debate, the motion was amended to focus on scaling up support rather than creating new legislation. Several lawmakers and government officials argued that Uganda already possesses sufficient agricultural laws and policies. Critics of the original proposal, including Government Chief Whip Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng and MP Samuel Kungu, suggested that the primary issue is the ineffective implementation of existing frameworks, such as the Parish Development Model, rather than a lack of legal structures.

Supporters of the initiative, including MP Wilson Kajwengye, noted that current financial systems are not adequately tailored to the needs of small-scale farmers. Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi expressed support for the motion's objectives regarding farmer empowerment while acknowledging the need to address concerns regarding legislative congestion.