IGAD backs Uganda’s CAADP 5th biennial review validation

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The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Uganda and other member states in the successful implementation of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), as stakeholders convened in Kampala for the validation of Uganda’s 5th Biennial Review (BR) report.

The two-day exercise, held on July 14–15, brought together experts from government ministries and agencies, farmer organisations, academia, research institutions, the private sector, and civil society. It was organised by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) with technical support from IGAD and the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA).

IGAD Head of Mission to Uganda, Joselyn Bigirwa, said the organisation is currently facilitating similar national validation meetings across its member states to review and verify data under the CAADP framework.

“These validation processes ensure data integrity and alignment with the Malabo Declaration commitments. Through regional cooperation, we remain firmly committed to helping our member states achieve food security, reduce poverty, and contribute to the African Union’s Agenda 2063,” she said.

Bigirwa emphasised the region’s vulnerability to climate shocks, economic instability, and food insecurity, revealing that 62 million people, about 25% of the IGAD region’s 270 million population, face high levels of acute food insecurity.

She stressed the need for accurate and timely data to guide decision-making and investments in agriculture.

“Agriculture still contributes nearly half of the region’s GDP and 60% of its exports. If we fail to address challenges like droughts, floods, and poor data management, our economies will continue to suffer,” she added, urging Uganda to be among the first to submit its validated report to the African Union.

On behalf of MAAIF permanent secretary, Maj. Gen. David Kasura Kyomukama, Irene Lubega, the ministry’s head of statistics, highlighted the significance of the 5th Biennial Review.

“This review marks the final assessment of Uganda’s commitments under the Malabo Declaration. It allows us to reflect on our progress over the past decade, identify gaps, and prepare for the post-Malabo agenda that will shape Africa’s agricultural future,” she said.

Lubega thanked development partners, particularly IGAD and AGRA, for their long-standing support in strengthening agricultural data systems and facilitating inclusive validation processes.

The CAADP Biennial Review, undertaken by all 55 African Union member states, is a key accountability tool for tracking progress on ending hunger, halving poverty, and enhancing resilience through agriculture.

Uganda’s validation is part of a broader regional effort to compile the 5th Biennial Review report, which will inform continental progress towards achieving the AU’s agricultural transformation goals.

The final validated report will be submitted to the African Union later this year, ahead of the transition to a new phase of commitments beyond 2025.