Agriculture: A vision for self-reliance, growth in Uganda

KAMPALA - Grace Mary Mugasa, the state minister for public service, shared her heartfelt gratitude for the collaborative efforts that have sparked innovation and transformation in agriculture across the country.

The state minister was among the thousands of expo-goers who attended the Harvest Money Expo at Namboole National Stadium under the theme of Farming as a Business, Value Addition, and Cooperatives. She highlighted the powerful role agriculture plays in improving lives and creating opportunities, particularly for young people.

Mary Mugasa and her husband Mugasa near tractors for Engineering Solution or Engsol. (All Photos by Eddie Ssejjoba)

Mugasa expressed deep appreciation for the partnership between Vision Group and international partners like the Netherlands government.

“I want to thank the Government for initiating this relationship. When I visited the stalls, I found many people sharing their testimonies of how they have benefited from this collaboration.” Mugasa said.

The minister was especially inspired by the young innovators she had met, such as a young farmer who is not only involved in rabbit farming, but has also ventured into the cultivation of dragon fruit.

This fruit, which costs about sh25,000 per piece, is known for its high nutritional value. She said what is even more remarkable is that the young entrepreneur has created a full value chain for the rabbits, from farming to the frying pan.

Mugasa observed that the farmer’s story exemplifies how agriculture can be a source of both self-employment and employment for others.

The state minister emphasised that the future of Uganda's economy lies in agriculture, particularly as young people seek out opportunities beyond traditional office jobs.

“If you have a degree in agriculture, don’t just walk around with files looking for office work. There is no garden in the office. Go into agriculture professionally, and teach others as well,” she said.

A critical topic raised during the discussion was the teaching of agriculture in schools.

The minister voiced her concern about the subject being made optional under the new curriculum.

She believed agriculture should be a mandatory part of every student’s education, not only to enhance practical skills, but also to shift societal perceptions about farming.

“Many people think agriculture is a dirty job or is for the poor,” Mugasa pointed out. “But this mindset has to change. Uganda, with its favourable climate and fertile soils, should never have people going to bed hungry.”

The Expo highlighted the growing trend of value addition in farming, with young people increasingly finding ways to innovate and create value from their agricultural products.

Mugasa emphasised that such innovation should not be confined to Kampala. “If we had the means, we would take this expo to other regions. Some people cannot afford to come to Kampala, and they are missing out on learning from others,” she said.

The Expo’s high turnout was a testament to the growing interest in agriculture as a viable career and a pathway to self-reliance. The energy was palpable, as people from all walks of life gathered to share ideas, learn, and be inspired by the numerous success stories on display.

Mugasa’s message was clear: agriculture is more than just farming—it’s a means of creating wealth, improving livelihoods, and driving economic growth.

Through innovation, education, and a collective commitment to professionalising the sector, Uganda can harness the full potential of its agricultural resources.

This edition of the expo was sponsored by Engineering Solutions (ENGSOL), Tunga Nutrition, aBI international, Uganda Development Cooperation (UDC), Bella Wine, the Kingdom of Netherlands, and Pepsi.