By John Okello Lapok
ETHIOPIA-State Minister for Agriculture, Desire Muhooza, on behalf of the Government of Uganda, has formally endorsed the IGAD Regional Agrifood Systems Investment Plan (RASIP) 2026–2035 and the IGAD Regional Seed Policy and Regulatory Framework.
The Minister made the endorsement during the IGAD Ministerial Session held yesterday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia where she called for quick implementation following the endorsement.
Speaking at the Session, Muhooza also Kiboga Woman MP, welcomed both instruments, noting that they respond to a region where more than 60 million people remain acutely food insecure.
She attributed the situation to conflict, recurrent droughts and floods, displacement, pests and diseases, market disruptions and economic pressures, explaining that these challenges do not respect national borders.
The Minister emphasized that the RASIP’s projected investment envelope of USD 150 million must be translated into practical, bankable and measurable regional interventions that complement national Agrifood systems investment plans, particularly in areas where regional cooperation is indispensable — cross-border trade, sanitary and phytosanitary standards, transboundary pests and diseases, pastoral mobility, climate information and regional value chains.
Muhooza also highlighted the significance of the Seed Policy Framework, describing trade in quality seed as “the starting point of agricultural productivity, food security and climate resilience.”
She noted that the Framework provides a practical pathway to address fragmented seed laws, certification standards, variety release procedures and quality assurance systems that limit the efficient cross-border movement of improved varieties.
“Agriculture remains the backbone of Uganda’s economy, contributing 26.2 percent of GDP, employing close to 70 percent of our labour force and accounting for about 38.5 percent of export earnings,” the Minister said, adding that through the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO), Uganda continues to strengthen breeding, seed multiplication, inspection, certification, traceability and distribution.
During the meeting, Uganda committed to aligning its national priorities with the RASIP, strengthening national-regional planning and reporting links, promoting investment in agreed regional priorities, and participating actively in mutual accountability mechanisms linked to the CAADP Biennial Review and Joint Sector Review processes.
On the seed agenda, Uganda will work towards alignment with regional standards, mutual recognition and certification mechanisms, and stronger engagement with research institutions, private seed companies, farmer organizations and local seed enterprises.
The Minister called on IGAD to move quickly to establish clear implementation arrangements, prioritize high-impact regional investments and mobilize predictable resources, while urging development partners to align support behind agreed regional priorities.
“Uganda stands ready to work with IGAD, fellow Member States and our partners to move decisively from endorsement to implementation,” Hon. Muhooza concluded.
The Hon. Minister was accompanied by H.E. Rebecca Amuge Otengo, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Uganda to the African Union, together with technical officers from Uganda.
