The Government has launched the distribution of 173,913 bags of fertiliser to farmers across Uganda as part of a renewed drive to restore soil fertility, raise crop yields and increase household incomes.
The intervention, led by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), targets selected farmers and organised farmer groups involved in strategic and high-value agricultural enterprises, including coffee, tea and cocoa.
The programme comes against a backdrop of concern over Uganda’s low fertiliser consumption, which officials say continues to constrain agricultural productivity and farmers’ earning potential.
Speaking at the launch at MAAIF headquarters in Entebbe on Monday, Agriculture Minister Frank Tumwebaze said improving agricultural output would require farmers to abandon guesswork and embrace evidence-based farming.
“We are entering a new era of farming where decisions must be guided by evidence. Farmers need to apply the right input, in the right quantity and at the right time if we are to achieve higher productivity and better incomes,” Tumwebaze said.
Tumwebaze urged farmers to embrace soil testing and precision agriculture, saying fertiliser applications should be based on the specific requirements of crops and the condition of the soil.
Uganda’s fertiliser gap
MAAIF Permanent Secretary Maj. Gen. David Kasura-Kyomukama said the intervention is aimed at tackling one of the less visible constraints facing Ugandan agriculture: deteriorating soil fertility.
Uganda currently applies an estimated 2–3 kilogrammes of fertiliser per hectare, far below the continental average of about 22 kilogrammes and the 50 kilogrammes per hectare Abuja target cited by the Ministry.
Kasura-Kyomukama said the low application rate has contributed to weak productivity, particularly among smallholder farmers who often struggle to access affordable inputs and technical support.
“This launch is not merely ceremonial. It is a practical intervention to restore soil fertility, increase productivity and enable our farmers to participate more fully in the money economy,” he said.
The programme is being implemented under a Presidential Directive to support farmers in strategic agricultural value chains while addressing productivity constraints.
Fertiliser to be free, not for sale
The fertiliser, supplied by ITRACOM Fertilizers Uganda, will be distributed free of charge to eligible beneficiaries.
MAAIF said the bags will be clearly marked “Government of Uganda – Not for Sale” to discourage commercialisation and diversion of the inputs.
Kasura-Kyomukama said the Ministry would prioritise rapid distribution and ensure the fertiliser reaches farmers as close to their communities as possible.
“There will be no fees, no charges and no diversion. These fertilisers are a Government intervention and must reach the farmers for whom they are intended,” he said.
The Ministry has established verification and tracking mechanisms, including beneficiary lists, documentation, secure delivery points and reporting systems at district and parish levels.
Officials will also monitor how the fertiliser is used and assess whether the intervention translates into measurable improvements in crop yields.
Coffee, tea and cocoa farmers targeted
State Minister for Agriculture Desire Muhooza said the first beneficiaries would include farmers and organised groups engaged in coffee, tea, cocoa and other strategic agricultural enterprises.
She said the intervention was designed not only to provide inputs but also to strengthen value chains viewed as critical to Uganda’s agricultural transformation.
“This is an important day for our farmers. We are grateful to His Excellency the President for supporting this intervention and ensuring that farmers in strategic agricultural value chains can access these critical inputs,” Muhooza said.
Muhooza urged beneficiaries to apply the fertiliser correctly and work with agricultural extension officers to maximise its impact.
Supplier promises technical support
ITRACOM Fertilizers Uganda said it would work with Government to ensure the consignment reaches designated districts on schedule.
Representing the company, Bigirimana said ITRACOM would complement the supply of fertiliser with information on proper application.
“Our commitment is clear: we will ensure that the fertiliser reaches the designated districts as guided by the Ministry, while providing the necessary knowledge and support to enable farmers to achieve optimal results,” he said.
He commended Government for supporting Uganda’s local fertiliser industry and acknowledged the contribution of the President, MAAIF, the Ministry of Finance, Operation Wealth Creation and other government agencies to the programme.
Success to be measured in farmers’ fields
For MAAIF, officials said the programme’s success should not be judged by the number of bags distributed but by what happens after the fertiliser reaches farmers.
Kasura-Kyomukama said the ultimate test would be whether farmers achieve higher yields, stronger incomes and more commercially viable farms.
“When Government invests in agriculture, the ultimate measure of success must be what happens in the farmer’s garden, on the farm and in the household,” he said.
The programme will bring together MAAIF, local governments, extension workers, private-sector suppliers and farmers to improve soil health and productivity.
The Ministry said findings from the distribution will also be used to shape future agricultural input programmes and strengthen efforts to improve food and nutrition security across Uganda.
