Food, agricultural regulatory authority to regulate counterfeits

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In a bid to curb fake veterinary livestock drugs and agricultural chemical on the market, the Government says it is planning to establish the Food and Agricultural Regulatory Authority.

“It is so critical that we must have a separate agency to address fake veterinary drugs and fake agricultural products. This one is coming after a serious consideration and thinking and I know Parliament will consider and pass it. This one is among critical agencies,” agriculture state minister, Fred Bwino Kyakulaga says.

The minister made the revelation during a media briefing at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala on October 14, 2024.

Whereas the Government has rationalised 16 agencies after back-and-forth arguments, another one is being created with a component of safeguarding food quality and security as well as livestock drugs.

Kyakulaga argued that the policy of rationalisation doesn’t mean total abolishment but retaining critical agencies which he appealed to Ugandans to understand the rational.

The minister emphasized that the Government is creating a right agency to handle right challenge.  

The State minister of Agriculture, Fred Bwino Kyakulaga (centre), interacting with NARO senior communications officer, Frank Mugabi (left), and commissioner at Agriculture ministry, Henry Nakelet Opolot, after a press conference at Uganda Media Centre in Kampala on October 14, 2024. (Photo by Francis Emorut)

Recently the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Parliamentary caucus and President Yoweri Museveni reached a consensus on rationalising 16 pending government agencies after intense meetings at State House Entebbe.

The agricultural agencies, which included the National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS), Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA), Cotton Development Organisation (CDO) and Dairy Development Authority (DDA), were meant to be mainstreamed into the agriculture ministry (MAAIF). The overriding argument was that scrapping them would reverse gains the country has made in the agriculture sector.

World Food Day celebrations

However, Kyakulaga who was flanked by commissioner agricultural extension and skills management Henry Nakelet Opolot and senior communications officer of National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO), Frank Mugabi told journalists that the 44th World Food Day celebrations will be held in Serere district on October 16.

He said this day is not only a global commemoration, but also a moment for Uganda to reflect on the progress made in the fight against hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition.

“Agriculture continues to play a pivotal role in our nation’s development, and the objectives of this day align closely with our national agenda for ensuring food security and improving livelihoods,” he said adding that this year’s theme is Right to Foods for a Better Life and a Better Future.

The national event will be hosted at the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO’s) National Semi-Arid Resources Research Institute (NaSARRI) in Serere district.

The minister told reporters the significant strides the country has made regarding agricultural sector, among them; increased agricultural production, irrigation and mechanisation, strategic interventions in fisheries and aquaculture, post-harvest management and value addition as well as agricultural research and innovation: 

“Reducing post-harvest losses remains a priority for the Government. We have supported the establishment of agro-processing plants, ensuring that farmers can maximise the value of their produce and contribute to food security through value addition,” Kyakulaga told reporters.

He added that research institutions, led by the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) have been instrumental in developing improved, climate-resilient crop varieties. These institutions ensure that our agricultural systems remain adaptive to challenges while providing food that meets the nutritional needs of our people.

Regrading challenges, the minister pointed out that the climate change poses a serious threat to food production, and its impacts are already being felt in the form of erratic weather patterns, prolonged droughts, and floods.

“The government is committed to increasing investments in climate-smart agriculture, irrigation, and sustainable water use to mitigate these effects,” he said.

The other challenge the need to address malnutrition, especially among vulnerable groups, such as children and women.

He said, the government will continue to promote the cultivation and consumption of nutritious food, ensuring that every Ugandan can lead a healthy and productive life. NARO had led the way in researching and releasing crop varieties with enhanced nutritious value like potatoes, beans, banana among others.

Call to Action

On this World Food Day, Kyakulaga called upon Ugandans to unite in the country’s mission to achieve food security for everyone.

“Farmers, I urge you to embrace modern, sustainable agricultural practices. The private sector is encouraged to continue investing in value addition and agro-processing. And our development partners, civil society, and the general public—let us work together to promote nutrition-sensitive agriculture and food safety systems,” he stated.

The partners during the World Food Day include Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), WFP, Food Rights Alliance, World Food Programme, IFAD, World Bank and the European Union and others.