By Sarah Nabakooza
In a bid to enhance agricultural practices and protect both farmers and investors, Acholi residents have called for a robust legal framework governing contract farming.
The Lapii Cell Farmers’ Group from Purongo sub-county in Nwoya district on Monday presented their case before the parliamentary committee on agriculture, fisheries, and animal husbandry chaired by the vice-chairperson Hope Grania Nakazibwe, who is also the Mubende District Woman Member of Parliament (MP).
Led by Janepher Nantume Egunyu, the Nwoya district chief administrative officer, the farmers were invited as stakeholders to give views on the proposed Contract Farming Bill, which aims at regulating and formalising agricultural contracts across Uganda.
The Bill, introduced by Dr Abed Bwanika (Kimaanya-Kabonera MP), seeks to establish a legal structure to govern agreements between produce buyers and farmers, including terms related to quality, pricing and delivery timelines.
The proposed private member’s legislation was referred to the sectoral committee on agriculture for further deliberation after Parliament on August 23, 2022, granted Bwanika leave of the House to introduce the Bill.
Nantume highlighted the need for this legal framework to protect the interests of all parties involved in agricultural investments, pointing out that Lapii Cell Farmers’ Group has already demonstrated the benefits of contract farming with support from Operation Wealth Creation (OWC).
Nantume said OWC, led by its chief co-ordinator, Gen. Caleb Akandwanaho alias Salim Saleh, has provided substantial backing to their agricultural initiatives.
“The Lapii Cell Farmers’ Group is a successful example of how contract farming can positively impact on agricultural development. With support from OWC, we have seen significant improvements in our farming practices and overall productivity,” Nantume explained.
She emphasised that a strong contract farming law would not only safeguard stakeholders, but also contribute to Uganda’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth. Uganda’s GDP is estimated at sh563b a year.
Nantume revealed that MPs from West Nile, Acholi, Lango and Karamoja regions recently met with Gen. Saleh and discussed the Bill’s implications and also gathered inputs on its potential benefits.
The agriculture committee vice-chairperson (Nakazibwe) acknowledged the importance of the farmers’ input and committed to reviewing their requests as part of the Bill’s consideration.
However, Nakazibwe noted that there is need for careful evaluation, as what works in northern Uganda may not be applicable to other regions.
She stressed the necessity for broader consultations with farmers across different areas to ensure that the legislation is comprehensive and equitable.
Aim
AIM Tony Opoka, the executive director of Greater North Youth Leadership Forum Limited, also voiced his support for the proposed Bill.
His organisation has been at the forefront of contract farming in Acholi sub-region, particularly in the oil seeds sector.
Opoka said: “We aim at expanding our reach to as many farmers as possible. With our factory in Lira city, which has the capacity to process up to 10 tonnes of raw groundnuts weekly, we believe that large-scale contract farming will not only boost production, but also create more jobs for youth.”
He noted that a legal framework on contract farming would facilitate growth by ensuring fair and transparent practices.
LEAD PHOT CAPTION: Opoka (left) and Nantume appearing before the parliamentary committee on agriculture on Monday.
