2 November 2009
editorial
A new report by the government's National Joint Task Force investigating the National Agricultural and Advisory Services has detailed how over Shs80 billion meant for the institution's activities was wasted and stolen by officials. According to the report, Naads coordinators, especially at sub-county levels, diverted the money that was intended to uplift the beneficiaries from abject poverty.
This is not the first time that Naads, whose mission is to increase farmer access to information, knowledge and technology for profitable agricultural production, is being exposed as a corrupt institution. In 2007, President Museveni suspended Naads over the widespread decadence that has for long characterised the organisation. Naads later resumed operations after some reforms were carried out.
However, it is evident that the reforms have not registered much on the ground, given the findings of the Task Force headed by Ms Emilly Twinamasiko that is investigating the misuse of millions of shillings.
Some district agricultural officers and Naads coordinators have been found to be shamelessly conniving with other people to issue certificates of inspection for goods worth millions that are nonexistent, with some Naads coordinators illegally awarding themselves contracts after flouting procurement processes while others inflated the cost of farm tools.
That corruption has permeated every level of the Ugandan society is an open secret. This should not be an excuse for Naads officials, some of whom are said to have pleaded guilty and asked for forgiveness. As Ms Twinamasiko noted, it is difficult to know who to arrest and who to spare. The level of forgery is gross, depressingly shocking and extremely extensive.
At a time when the country is facing severe food shortages, food security must be our priority. It is the mandate of Naads to aid farmers for profitable agricultural production, primarily aimed at putting an end to food insecurity and eradicating poverty. This noble objective must not be frustrated by greedy individuals.
It is bizarre and unsettling that an institution whose primary responsibility is to help farmers enhance productivity is the same body frustrating farmers by stealing funds. Corruption, at every level, must not be allowed to flourish. All deceitful officials that profiteered must face the law and refund what rightly belongs to poor farmers.
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