By Dennis Agaba
The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) is seeking Parliament’s approval for UGX 17 billion to set up and upgrade piggery and poultry breeding infrastructure on government ranches, a move aimed at increasing pork and chicken production in Uganda.
The request was made by Bright Rwamirama, Minister of State for Animal Husbandry, while presenting the Ministry’s 2026/27 National Budget Framework Paper before Parliament’s Committee on Agriculture.
“We plan to establish and renovate livestock breeding facilities, including piggery and poultry structures, to support rapid production of high-performing breeds,” Rwamirama said. “The Ministry will also invest in paddocks, sheds, valley tanks, spray races, and intensive livestock management systems. The total estimate for these efforts is about UGX 17 billion.”
Reviving the National Seed Company
Rwamirama also outlined plans for the government to invest over UGX 163 billion to revive the National Seed Company, which was previously privatised. The move is intended to improve access to quality seeds for farmers and curb the circulation of counterfeit seeds in the market.
“This initiative will cover acquiring land, recruiting staff, and setting up five regional nuclear seed hubs,” he explained. “We want to ensure that smallholder farmers, who often struggle to access quality seeds and stock materials, can benefit from government-supported supply.”
Expanding Seed Production and Distribution
In addition, the Ministry is requesting UGX 62 billion to scale up seed and livestock breeding efforts. Funds will be used for production, multiplication, certification, and distribution of seeds, as well as improving quality breeders. The initiative will involve government institutions like Uganda Prison Services, UPDF farms, NAGRIC, and NARO to meet rising demand.
“This investment will make seeds and breeder livestock more available, affordable, and suited to both market and ecological needs,” Rwamirama said. “We also aim to produce high-quality animal feed, including hay, silage, and mineral compounds, on government farms to support livestock growth.”
Solar-Powered Irrigation for Farmers
The Ministry is further seeking UGX 200 billion to establish 300 solar-powered irrigation systems for farmer groups and provide small-scale irrigation equipment. The budget will also support the completion of five large-scale irrigation schemes to strengthen crop production.
With these investments, MAAIF aims to improve Uganda’s livestock and agricultural output, ensure quality input access for farmers, and build sustainable infrastructure for long-term growth in the sector.
