President Yoweri Museveni has reiterated his appeal to Ugandan producers to focus on value addition and the export of refined products.
This, he said in a speech delivered by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja at the opening of the 32nd edition of the National Farmers Show in Jinja on Tuesday, would boost farmers’ incomes.
“In order to fetch more value from our wide range of products, we must stop the export of raw materials,” President Museveni said. “All our products, such as coffee, maize, cocoa, iron ore, and milk, must be processed in Uganda.”
He stated that value addition will also open up opportunities for greater employment for our youthful population and boost government revenues.
Museveni added that the NRM government continues to prioritise the agricultural sector because it is a key contributor to socio-economic transformation.
He explained that despite the emergence of other means of livelihood for the population, agriculture still remains the main thrust of Uganda’s economic growth.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja tours the Uganda Prisons Service section at the National Agricultural Showgrounds in Jinja City
President Museveni said that the sector’s contribution to the country’s gross domestic product stood at 27.4% by the end of the first half of the 2025/26 financial year, compared to an average of 23% over the last 10 years.
“Therefore, the agriculture show is a marketplace for ideas aimed at solving challenges in agricultural production and agro-processing,” he said. “I urge all the showgoers to utilise this opportunity by making relevant inquiries from the exhibitors.”
Several players in the agricultural sector, including farmers, manufacturers, financiers, development partners, exporters, and government officials, among others, are participating in the agricultural show, which continues until 5 July.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja tours other sections of the National Agricultural Showgrounds in Jinja City, alongside the Minister of State for Animal Industry, Bright Rwamirama, and other government officials
The Minister of State for Animal Industry, Bright Rwamirama, said that agriculture is not only an economic activity but also a national development priority.
“This is the sector most directly linked to the transformation of livelihoods, but to realise this, we have to be mindful of how we farm and add value to our products,” he stated. “We have to be cognizant of where our products end up in the market and what those markets demand in terms of both quality and quantity.”
