In a high-level engagement at State House, Entebbe, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni met with H.E. Qu Dongyu, the Director-General of the FAO, on Monday, initiating strategic discussions aimed at catalysing Uganda’s agricultural development.
During the meeting, President Museveni underscored the critical role of the FAO in driving the transformation of agri-food systems, reaffirming that agriculture remains Uganda’s top national priority. He assured H.E. Qu Dongyu of Uganda’s unwavering support to facilitate seamless and robust collaboration with the UN agency. The two leaders engaged in discussions on enhancing cooperation in key areas, including sustainable agriculture and food security.
Crucially, a significant emphasis was also placed on the broader elements of well-being: the imperative for income security, improved nutrition, and hygiene. This holistic approach reflects a recognition that true development extends beyond mere food production to provide a stable foundation for the overall health and prosperity of individuals and communities.
H.E. Dongyu expressed profound gratitude for Uganda’s ongoing commitment to the FAO’s global mission to defeat hunger. He affirmed the organisation’s readiness to provide strong support to Uganda’s ambitious investment plans in the agricultural sector, noting, “Uganda has significant potential for rapid growth and development.”
The FAO, a specialised agency of the United Nations, leads international efforts to defeat hunger in over 130 countries worldwide. Its core goal is to achieve food security for all, ensuring people have regular access to enough high-quality food for active, healthy lives. This mission resonates deeply with Uganda’s national agenda for socio-economic transformation and poverty alleviation.
MAAIF Host H.E. Qu Dongyu
Following the high-level meeting, H.E. Qu Dongyu was hosted at the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) headquarters in Entebbe. He was welcomed by the Ministry’s top policy management team, led by Hon. Bright Rwamirama, the Minister of State for Animal Industry, and MAAIF Permanent Secretary Maj. Gen. (Rtd) David Kasura-Kyomukama.
As part of his ongoing 3-day State visit to Uganda, the Director General will undertake visits to various FAO-supported projects across the country. These on-the-ground engagements are designed to provide direct policy guidance aimed at bridging critical gaps in service delivery in areas of food security and livestock disease control. This practical approach highlights a commitment to translate high-level discussions into tangible improvements for farmers and rural populations.
The intensified partnership between Uganda and the FAO signifies a renewed national push to leverage international expertise and resources to unlock the full potential of Uganda’s agricultural sector.
By focusing on sustainable practices, enhancing food security, and addressing the foundational needs of income, nutrition, and hygiene, this collaboration is set to play a pivotal role in accelerating Uganda’s journey towards national prosperity and greater resilience against hunger.