The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF) has formally taken over operations from four major agricultural agencies: the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA), Cotton Development Organization (CDO), National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS), and the Dairy Development Authority (DDA). This move is part of the government’s effort to streamline agricultural governance and improve service delivery.
The transition follows amendments to the respective governing Acts, which were signed into law by President Yoweri Museveni in December 2024. The handover ceremony took place at the MAAIF headquarters in Entebbe, attended by key stakeholders and ministry officials.
During the event, MAAIF Permanent Secretary Maj Gen David Kasura-Kyomukama highlighted that the restructuring aims to reallocate resources for improved efficiency rather than eliminate critical functions. He assured stakeholders that operations, projects, and services under the agencies would continue without disruption, with all personnel and assets absorbed into the ministry.
“This process is about enhancing efficiency in resource utilization, not abolishment. Our focus is to ensure agricultural growth continues and strengthens,” Maj Gen Kasura-Kyomukama emphasized.
Under UCDA’s stewardship, Uganda’s coffee production has increased dramatically, growing from 2.8 million bags in 1991 to 9 million bags annually, generating over $1.1 billion in export revenue. UCDA’s assets, including regional offices and digital tools like the Farmer Registration System, are now under MAAIF’s control. The ministry pledged to sustain and expand initiatives like the Coffee Centre of Excellence and the Enhanced Regional Agricultural Growth Opportunities Network (ERAGON).
The dairy sector has also seen remarkable development, with production rising from 250 million litres to over 5 billion litres annually. This has translated into export earnings of over $250 million. MAAIF plans to build on this momentum, ensuring continued growth in dairy production and export potential.
Meanwhile, the CDO handed over essential infrastructure, including land, laboratories, and office facilities. Although liabilities amounting to UGX 1.7 billion were noted, the organization emphasized ongoing efforts to support youth employment and innovation in the cotton industry.
NAADS, which has been instrumental in promoting high-value crops and irrigation systems, will also integrate its projects into MAAIF’s operations.
The restructuring aligns with the government’s broader vision of optimizing public resources to boost agricultural productivity and establish Uganda as a leader in regional agricultural markets.
“This move reflects our commitment to transforming Uganda’s agricultural sector. With unified oversight under MAAIF, we aim to streamline operations, reduce redundancies, and maximize impact,” said Maj Gen Kasura-Kyomukama.
Stakeholders were reassured that the government is committed to a seamless transition, ensuring that ongoing projects and initiatives continue to deliver results for farmers and the economy at large.