Uganda’s ministry of agriculture, animal industry, and fisheries has signed Memorandum of Understanding with China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) to improve the country’s agricultural capacity through modern post-harvest handling infrastructure, small-scale irrigation systems, and agricultural mechanisation.
A statement from the ministry said the agreement was signed October 18 and “marks a significant step in strengthening Uganda’s food security and improving the livelihoods of farmers.”
Ronald Segawa Gyagenda, the Acting Permanent Secretary at the agriculture ministry said the agreement would go a long way in helping Ugandan farmers reduce on the losses they suffered due lack of enough post-harvest handling and storage facilities.
“A significant percentage of food produced in Uganda is lost after harvest due to poor handling, storage, and processing. This is an issue that has plagued our farmers for too long,” Gyagenda said.
“We welcome every partner with innovative solutions to address these challenges, and this MOU is a testament to our commitment to finding sustainable, long-term solutions,” he added.
The official said with the agreement in place, Ugandans were assured of accessing modern Chinese agricultural technologies and in turn this would result in stable food prices and food security.
The initiative, Gyagenda noted, will enable Uganda to leverage modern agricultural technologies aimed at improving productivity, stabilising food prices, and safeguarding food security. He highlighted that the feasibility study arising from this MOU will guide the government in making informed decisions on the implementation of these critical projects.
Uganda has been experiencing unprecedented seasonal changes as a result of climate change and according to Gyagenda, the Chinese irrigation systems would close the gap.
Hailiang Song, President of CCCC, said the company which has been involved in the country’s infrastructure development for the past almost three decades was committed to Uganda’s development.
“Uganda has immense agricultural potential, and under the leadership of President Museveni, the country has made remarkable progress in achieving political stability and economic growth,” Song said.
“We are proud to support Uganda in advancing its agricultural sector by focusing on warehousing, irrigation, and food processing,” he added.
“The signing of today’s MOU is just the beginning of our journey together,” Song said. “We look forward to deepening our cooperation and exploring more opportunities in the future.”
