Uganda’s Farmers Struggle Amid Food Crisis, Stakeholders Demand Infrastructure and Market Reforms.
Kampala, Uganda | Despite being the backbone of Uganda’s economy and employing over 70% of the population directly and indirectly, the agricultural sector is facing a growing threat rising food insecurity, poor infrastructure, and limited access to markets.
This has been the major concern raised at the 13th National Forum on Agriculture and Food Security, held today at Protea Hotel in Kampala. The forum, organized by the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC), brought together farmers, government officials, and researchers to discuss urgent reforms needed in Uganda’s food systems.
Agriculture remains one of the largest contributors to Uganda’s GDP. However, despite its vital role, the country is facing increasing levels of food insecurity. According to the 2024 Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) report, over 46% of Ugandans are food insecure, with 30% experiencing severe food insecurity largely due to poor distribution systems, food wastage, and lack of access to markets.
Florence Nakitto, a farmer from Butambala District, shared a firsthand account of the challenges rural farmers face.
“We don’t have proper access roads. Getting our produce to markets is a struggle. Many of us have even started importing food from Tanzania and Kenya, which is a risk to our economy,” Nakitto said.
She highlighted that the lack of rural road networks and limited storage facilities are causing large post-harvest losses, making farming an increasingly unprofitable venture for smallholders.
Representing EPRC Executive Director Dr. Sarah Ssewanyana, Elizabeth Birabwa noted that over 44% of households in Uganda are food insecure, attributing the crisis to a lack of road infrastructure, which prevents farmers from accessing markets.
“If farmers can’t get their goods to market, they can’t sell them, and we all lose. Improving roads and market structures is not just about transport, it’s about survival and stability,” Birabwa emphasized.
She called on the government to increase the national budget allocation for road maintenance and invest in structured market systems where farmers can reliably sell their produce.
Dr. Henry Opolot, Commissioner for Agricultural Extension Services and Skills Management at the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), reassured stakeholders that government is aware of the challenges and is taking action.
“We are working with the Ministry of Works and Transport to improve rural roads and ensure farmers can reach markets,” Dr. Opolot said.
He also noted that MAAIF is collaborating with farmers to enhance food quality and safety standards, which are crucial for expanding access to both local and regional markets.
A representative from the Ministry of Works and Transport provided further clarity, revealing that over UGX 682 billion has been allocated in the national budget for FY2025/26 specifically for national road construction. The funds will target strategic areas including agricultural regions that are currently underserved by infrastructure.
“We’re prioritizing roads in farming areas to ensure smooth transportation of agricultural produce. Better roads mean reduced losses and better income for farmers,” the official stated.
Uganda’s heavy reliance on agriculture makes the sector a crucial pillar for economic growth, employment, and national food security. However, unless issues like poor infrastructure, inadequate market access, and post-harvest losses are addressed with urgency, the sector’s potential will remain underutilized and the food crisis may worsen.
The 13th National Forum on Agriculture and Food Security served as a call to action for policymakers to prioritize rural development and ensure farmers are not just producers, but empowered participants in the agricultural economy