The current rains present economic lifeline to tap into
"Let every available garden, plot and piece of land contribute to our food security. Let us consume responsibly, support local enterprise, avoid unnecessary debt and work together,” Writes Milly Babalanda
Milly Babalanda. (File)
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OPINION
By Milly Babalanda
Over the past few weeks, the continued depreciation of the Uganda shilling has put additional pressure on the cost of fuel and, in some instances, food. This is unwelcome news, particularly as many households are still recovering from a prolonged dry spell that affected cash crops such as coffee and also threatened food security across the country.
That is why I commend the Government for its timely intervention in providing food relief to communities hardest hit by the dry spell, particularly in the Karamoja sub-region. Through an allocation of sh45b, the Government set out to distribute approximately 9.42 million kilogrammes of food relief to more than 313,987 households, with each targeted household receiving 20kg of maize flour and 10kg of dry beans. This demonstrated the Government’s commitment to protecting vulnerable Ugandans.
The current economic pressures are undoubtedly challenging, but we must not lose hope. Instead, we must strengthen our collective responsibility, manage our resources prudently and work harder to address both immediate and long-term economic challenges.
The widespread concerns about food availability also remind us of our vulnerability to food insecurity. We must therefore strengthen our capacity to feed ourselves, as President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has consistently advised.
One factor that has worsened the current economic squeeze is that it coincided with a dry spell that depleted food reserves in many Ugandan homes.
I am happy that, as we experience the current economic shock, we have the rains. I therefore appeal to every Ugandan, regardless of economic circumstances, to take advantage of the season and plant food. Let us grow maize, beans, cassava, sweet potatoes, vegetables and other crops suited to our respective areas. Those with large farms can expand production, while households with small plots, urban gardens or backyard spaces can also contribute. Agriculture should not be viewed exclusively as an occupation for large-scale farmers. Every household can participate in food production.
The President’s Four-Acre Model provides a practical blueprint for maximising productivity on limited land. By combining enterprises such as coffee, fruit, food crops, pasture and livestock, families can diversify income sources and improve household food security. This is particularly relevant where land fragmentation makes large-scale farming difficult.
We must also embrace better farming practices, including timely planting, soil conservation, proper post-harvest handling and food storage. Producing more food is important, but reducing losses and ensuring that harvests last longer are equally vital.
Practical solutions
When the shilling began depreciating, President Museveni reassured Ugandans against panic and offered practical solutions. He urged us to scale up agriculture and local manufacturing to reduce dependence on imported goods, and to avoid unnecessary consumption of imported products in favour of locally made alternatives.
While manufacturing may require capital and specialised skills beyond the reach of many households, agriculture remains accessible to a much wider section of our population.
Growing more food locally reduces household expenditure on market purchases. Nationally, increased agricultural production improves food availability, supports exports and reduces pressure on foreign exchange reserves. Buying locally manufactured goods also sustains domestic businesses, employment and value addition.
Motorists can reduce fuel consumption by sharing rides, combining errands and using public transport where practical. Businesses can improve efficiency by reviewing delivery routes and other operating costs.
Individuals and small businesses must exercise caution when borrowing. Following the recent increase in the Central Bank Rate, commercial lending rates are likely to face upward pressure, making loans more expensive and increasing repayment obligations.
For small-scale entrepreneurs, this is a time to protect working capital, control costs and, where possible, reinvest profits rather than depend heavily on expensive credit. Business expansion should be carefully assessed against realistic demand and repayment capacity. Borrowers must remember that default can put property pledged as collateral at risk. We should also strengthen household savings and community co-operation. Families and community groups can support one another through savings initiatives, shared resources and collective marketing of agricultural produce. Local savings and credit cooperative societies, merry-go-rounds and ekibiina arrangements can provide valuable support during difficult times.
Let us trust the government
The current economic situation is challenging, but it is not beyond our capacity to navigate. Some factors influencing the shilling’s depreciation are external and beyond our immediate control. Nevertheless, we can influence how well our households and communities withstand the resulting pressures.
The Government continues to work to strengthen the economy, support vulnerable communities and promote domestic production. Its relief interventions demonstrate a commitment to responding to the hardships faced by ordinary Ugandans.
I encourage citizens to remain calm, avoid panic and continue engaging in productive activities. Economic recovery requires sound policies, but it also depends on the everyday decisions made by citizens. As we welcome the rains, let us turn this opportunity into a season of renewed production. Let every available garden, plot and piece of land contribute to our food security. Let us consume responsibly, support local enterprise, avoid unnecessary debt and work together. With prudent choices, productive effort and confidence in our country’s direction, we can weather the present difficulties and emerge stronger, more self-reliant future.
The author is the Minister for the Presidency