President Yoweri Museveni unveiled the second piece of agricultural mechanisation equipment on Thursday, December 8, 2022.
The project is intended to assist farmers in improving agricultural productivity. Currently, the sector’s contribution to GDP stands at only 23 percent, despite employing nearly 80 percent of Ugandans.
The launch took place at the Namalere Agricultural Mechanisation National Referral Centre (NAMNRC) in Wakiso district.
Under the project, farmers can hire equipment at about 60 percent of the market price.
Some of the equipment includes excavators, dump trucks, wheel loaders, vibrating rollers, water tankers, and motor graders.
In total, the government is giving out 150 pieces of equipment and 100 motorcycles to be appropriated by project inspectors to monitor the project.
The first launch was done in Dokolo in 2019, where over 300 tractors were given to farmers.
The equipment is to be used all over the country, guided by the following principles.
Deployment to districts will be prioritized based on demand, with districts with the highest demand taking top priority.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, and Fisheries, deployment will be based on a detailed assessment of the scope and quantity of work to be carried out.
“Services will be demand-driven, demonstrated by requests and upfront payment for services,” the ministry said in a brief released on Thursday.
It added that in the short run, equipment will work in three districts situated relatively close to each other for easy access and use of the low bed carrier and a mobile workshop that is shared by all three units.
“Districts, where similar services are being provided by other institutions, will not be prioritized to allow for continuity and consolidation for services,” the ministry added.
