Nandala says value-addition will restore dignity for Namutumba rice, sugarcane farmers

__________________

Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential candidate James Nathan Nandala Mafabi Nandala says value-addition will ensure restored dignity for Namutumba rice, sugarcane farmers. He has, therefore, pledged to transform the lives of the farmers who form the economic spine of the district.

For decades, Namutumba’s farmers have battled fluctuating market prices, unreliable buyers, poor road networks, and limited access to affordable credit to which has left them vulnerable to sugar factories and mills, which give them credit and then buy their harvests at the low prices.

Addressing five rallies across Namutumba on December 8, 2025, Nandala outlined a plan he said would restore dignity, fair markets and predictable income for farmers.

Nandala addressing supporters. (Credit: Alfred Ochwo)

(Credit: Alfred Ochwo)

(Credit: Alfred Ochwo)

Nandala argued that Uganda’s agriculture has suffered because it exports raw materials instead of finished products. In Namutumba, he said, rice and cane growers lose billions in revenue annually because they sell raw produce instead of processed goods.

“The backbone of Namutumba is agriculture, and the backbone of agriculture is you the farmers. My government will ensure that your rice and sugarcane no longer serve as raw materials that enrich others while you remain with nothing. We shall invest where it matters most in the farmer by putting up value additional factories but prices will be set by the government to ensure fairness.” Nandala noted.

He reminded Namutumba that the FDC government has outlined agriculture as the central plan on developing this country, and this will be fulfilled by injecting 10% of the total national budget. Nandala believes that agriculture alone will not only sustain Uganda’s economy but also employ many jobless youths.

In many parts of Busoga, including Namutumba, Butalejja and Pallisa, rice growing is a livelihood passed down generations. The district is home to thousands of growers, many working on large scale forcing to at times get loans to sustain their plantations.

Some of the farmers that came to Nandala’s rallies told the New Vision Online that they believe that their sweat only benefitted mills and middlemen, while they remained trapped in poverty.

Among the crowd was Zaituni Nabirye who has grown rice for nearly a decade. She said although the crop sustains her family, the work has become more difficult as buyers continue to dictate prices.

“We spend months preparing the fields, weeding and harvesting, but when it comes to selling, they give us whatever they want because we have no control, we buy the seeds at the high price of shillings 5,000 but they buy it from us at farm price of shillings 1,200-1,500. Sometimes we are forced to sell at very low prices because we need home basic needs like soap,” Nabirye said.

Minimum prices

Nandala told such farmers that an FDC-led government would introduce minimum guaranteed prices for rice a policy he argued would protect both large and smallholders from exploitation. He said guaranteed pricing would stabilise household incomes and allow farmers to plan for the future.

“Farmers must earn from their sweat. We cannot continue with a situation where the market favours only the middlemen. We shall build storage facilities, re-introduce and strengthen cooperatives, and negotiate with millers to ensure fairness. We already have a plan for setting up silages, farming insurance and no-interest loans for farmers” he said.

Although sugarcane fields dominate parts of Namutumba, growers often work under contract farming schemes that leave them with little control over pricing, harvesting schedules or transport. Nandala said sugar cane growers deserved stronger bargaining power through co-operative unions capable of negotiating with millers as a bloc.

“Sugarcanes has money, but only when farmers are organised and this can be archieved through re-introduction of co-operative unions which is our manifesto. We shall revive cooperative unions and empower your village saving groups to grow into financial institutions that serve your needs.” he pledged.

Nandala pledged to establish a National Agricultural Bank dedicated to offering low-interest loans to farmers, cooperatives, and agro-based start-ups.

“We want farmers to expand, buy better equipment, irrigate their farms and add value to their produce. But none of that is possible when loans are unaffordable. We need a bank for farmers, by farmers.” he said.

He also promised to subsidise fertilisers, seeds, and machinery an intervention he says would cut production costs and increase yields. He added that his government would build access roads in major cane-producing zones, saying the poor state of feeder roads had long kept farmers from reaching markets quickly which has often forced them to sell cheaply.

“These roads with no tarmac at all are a clear reminder that Namutumba has for long been forgotten. When elected, my government will prioritise rural infrastructure, because agriculture cannot thrive when roads are impassable.” Nandala said.

He added that improving roads would not only ease transport but also attract investors in agro-processing, creating jobs for youth and raising the district’s revenue.

He pledged to invest heavily in local processing plants, particularly rice mills and sugar processing centres owned by cooperatives or district unions.

“If you grow rice, you should mill it here and package it here. If you grow cane, you should produce ethanol, brown sugar and other products right here. That is how Namutumba will rise.” he said.

With the majority of Uganda’s population below 30 years of age, the district faces high unemployment despite its agricultural potential. 

Nandala said young people must not be left behind in agricultural reforms. He announced plans for youth-focused agricultural grants, skilling programs, and incubation centres where young farmers can learn modern agribusiness skills.

“For Uganda to progress, young people in districts like Namutumba must have opportunities that give them dignity. We shall support youth-led cooperatives and women-led initiatives because they are the backbone of rural economies.” he said.

Nandala, himself a seasoned farme, a seasoned leader and accountant told the crowd he understood the importance of agriculture not just as a campaign pledge but as a personal journey.

“I know the pain of losing crops. I know the satisfaction of a good harvest. My promise to you is grounded in experience, not politics.” he said.

Much as the district has for long been a stronghold of the NRM, Nandala believes his manifesto and promise to the people of Namutumba will gather him votes from the district.

Voices from Namutumba

Busiki North MP Contestant and FDC flag bearer Jamal Wante

“We have to vote our own son, the first from this region to stand at this level. For years, outsiders have spoken for us, but this time we are sending our very own. We are also going to use the internal problems and divisions within the NRM in Namutumba to mobilise and snatch their support. We ask all Basoga to trust us and trust the key wherever they see it on the ballot.

Bashir Mudumba from Magada Sub-County

“Poverty has held us here for too long. Many people work every day in these fields, but what we earn cannot even cover school fees or proper meals. Buyers give us whatever price they want, and we have no choice. If a leader promises to change that, then he must stand with farmers like us because we are suffering.”

The FDC campaigning caravan will head to Western Uganda for an eight day such for support and votes beginning with Ibanda, Kiruhujra and Kazo. The Western Uganda visit comes with just 38 days left for Uganda to choose the next five term government.