The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) has launched a £45 million (about Shs214 billion) to modernise agriculture.

The initiative will help at strengthen agricultural mechanisation, improving access to fertilizers, and boosting food production for farmers in at least 15 districts, including Mbarara and Kasese.

The programme, rolled out under the Power for Food Partnerships framework, seeks to enhance livelihoods, increase productivity, and support both crop and animal farmers.

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Julius Twinamasiko, programme coordinator for Strategic Interventions to Boost Food and Animal Feed Security, said the project is designed to provide farmers with modern machinery, quality inputs, and technical support to scale up production, particularly during periods of food and animal feed shortages.

"The intervention ensures farmers have the tools and support they need to increase yields and strengthen resilience in their households," Twinamasiko said.

Carlos Bueso, Program Lead for the initiative in Uganda, noted that the project addresses challenges such as low productivity, limited access to technology, and gaps in the agricultural value chain.

"The programme equips farmers with modern farming technologies, quality inputs, and knowledge to improve production and incomes. It also fosters partnerships that can enhance value addition in the sector," Bueso said.

The five-year programme, running from 2025 to 2029, is expected to contribute significantly to Uganda's national food security agenda. It will engage directly with farmers and local communities to build resilience, expand market opportunities, and raise overall agricultural performance.

MAAIF says the initiative marks a key step in Uganda's agricultural transformation, aiming to strengthen the ecosystem supporting food production while empowering farmers to achieve sustainable growth.