The government should amend vital agricultural development strategies to specifically prioritise pig production in Uganda.
This, according to the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), would also require realignment of strategies like the National Development Plan-III and the agro-industrialisation programme.
“In the current documents, piggery is lumped with meat and is not singled out. This makes it difficult to attract investments particularly from donors who are looking for where to put their investments,” said Mr Ben Lukuyu at a meeting with the Speaker of Parliament Jacob Oulanyah, on Friday, 22 October 2021.
Lukuyu, the ILRI Counry Manager, also called on government to initiate steps towards the development of a Livestock Masterplan that includes a prioritisation and investment plan for the livestock sector, including piggery.
He emphasised the need to raise the profile of the pig sector in Uganda by attracting public and private sector investment, given that many Ugandans provide a big consumption platform for the sector.
Ms Emily Ouma, in charge of policy and livelihoods programme at ILRI, cited policy gaps in Uganda’s animal health including weak policy and regulatory implementation of health services delivery and disease control, especially the African swine fever.
She called for the drafting of a national forage seed policy that can establish a national forage seed system that in turn, ensures sustainable availability and use of affordable quality seeds and planting materials.
Speaker Oulanyah said the ILRI policies were crucial to push the sector forward and advised them to engage in discussions with the National Agricultural Advisory Services to sensitise potential famers.
“The budgeting process is ongoing and Parliament will receive the Budget Framework Paper in December. Discussions on these policies should be captured before the end of this year so that this sector can benefit from the next budget,” said Oulanyah
