By Naome Namusoke/ KMA Updates
KAMPALA, Uganda — The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) has requested UGX17 billion in the 2026/27 financial year to establish and renovate piggery and chicken breeding infrastructure on government farms and ranches, as part of efforts to scale up pork and poultry production in Uganda.
The funding request was presented by the Minister of State for Animal Husbandry, Bright Rwamirama, while appearing before Parliament’s Committee on Agriculture during the consideration of the Ministry’s 2026/27 National Budget Framework Paper (NBFP).
Rwamirama told lawmakers that the proposed investment is aimed at strengthening government-led livestock breeding systems to support rapid multiplication of high-performing pig and poultry breeds for farmers across the country.
“Establish and renovate livestock breeding and production support infrastructure on government farms and ranches. Focus will be on piggery and poultry structures to support rapid breeding and production of high-performing piggery and poultry breeds,” Rwamirama said.
According to the minister, the funds will be used to rehabilitate existing facilities and construct new infrastructure essential for modern livestock production. These include piggery units, poultry houses, breeding paddocks, spray races, sheds, valley tanks and facilities for intensive disease control.
He noted that many government farms and ranches currently lack adequate infrastructure or operate with dilapidated facilities, limiting their capacity to produce quality breeding stock for distribution to farmers.
“The Ministry of Agriculture effort will be establishing livestock breeding facilities, paddocks, spray races, intensive direct control structures, sheds and valley tanks, among others. The estimate here is about UGX17 billion,” Rwamirama added.
The proposed investment is expected to enhance the availability of improved pig and poultry breeds, boost productivity, and support farmers to meet the growing domestic demand for pork and chicken. Uganda’s pork and poultry sectors have expanded rapidly in recent years, driven by population growth, urbanisation and changing dietary preferences.
Members of Parliament welcomed the focus on livestock breeding but called for accountability and clear implementation plans to ensure the funds deliver measurable impact. Some MPs urged the ministry to align the investment with farmer extension services and market access to avoid overproduction without adequate demand.
If approved, the initiative will form part of broader government efforts to commercialise agriculture, improve food and nutrition security, and increase household incomes through livestock production. The Agriculture Committee is expected to review the proposal and make recommendations before the national budget is finalised and presented to Parliament.
