VANESSA A
The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries in Uganda has partnered with Rukungiri District to implement a six-year Uganda Climate-Smart Agricultural Transformation Project worth US$354.7 million across 69 districts, including Rukungiri.
According to the Rukungiri District Production Officer, Oneck Pius Kwesiga, the program, which began last year, is currently in its preliminary stages and is being rolled out at district level. He said the project aims to increase productivity, improve market access, and strengthen the resilience of selected agricultural value chains in the region.
Kwesiga noted that the priority value chains in Rukungiri District include livestock (dairy), coffee, fisheries, and beneficial insects such as bees. He explained that the initiative targets registered farmer groups, with the government providing 80% of the required support while beneficiaries contribute 20% to sustain their projects.
He urged farmer groups that have already picked application forms to register and open accounts with the e-voucher system to enable timely processing of their requests and access to funding before the end of the month. He also highlighted that the project goes beyond financial support, as it includes improving rural infrastructure such as roads to ease the transportation of agricultural produce. Farmers will also receive training and guidance to boost productivity and increase profits.
Representatives from the district leadership, including Michael Byarugaba, who represented the LC5 Chairperson Geoffrey Kyomukama, commended the ministry for selecting Rukungiri District. He said the initiative is aimed at reducing poverty and improving livelihoods as part of the country’s journey toward middle-income status.
Byarugaba encouraged more community members to take part in the program, noting that early participation increases the chances of benefiting from government initiatives. He reiterated that the government will support groups with 80% of the project costs, while beneficiaries contribute the remaining 20%.
He further clarified that, unlike some government programs, the Climate-Smart Agriculture Project is not a revolving fund requiring repayment, but rather a support initiative designed to help farmers grow their incomes and improve their livelihoods. He encouraged beneficiaries to use the funds responsibly to ensure long-term benefits for their families and future generations.
