EDITOR
The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries has announced plans to set up a new food regulatory agency aimed at overseeing food quality across Uganda.
Permanent Secretary David Kasura Kyomukama revealed the plans while appearing before Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to respond to issues raised in the December 2025 Auditor General’s report.
His remarks came in response to concerns from Elgon County MP Ignatius Mudimi, who highlighted a shortage of extension workers in the coffee sector following the disbandment of the Uganda Coffee Development Authority. Mudimi noted that the absence of proper oversight has led some farmers in Bugisu to mix coffee with local beans known as kamwanyi, potentially compromising coffee quality.
The announcement of the new agency comes shortly after the government disbanded several agricultural bodies in a bid to rationalize operations, raising questions from MPs. PAC Vice Chairperson Gorrethe Namugga asked about the rationale for establishing new agencies while others are being dissolved.
Kyomukama’s announcement aligns with recent budget requests from January 2026, when Minister of State for Animal Husbandry Bright Rwamirama appeared before Parliament’s Committee on Agriculture. Rwamirama requested an additional UGX 213 billion, including UGX 50 billion for reviving the National Seed Company to improve access to quality seeds and UGX 163 billion for the creation of a Food and Agriculture Authority aimed at reducing food contamination along the agricultural chain.
The government says the new agency will strengthen food safety standards and support Uganda’s efforts to ensure the quality of its agricultural products from farm to table.
