Minister of Water and Environment, Maj Gen (Rtd) Kahinda Otafiire, has called for greater prioritisation of water and food production as the foundation for Uganda’s agricultural transformation.
Gen. Otafiire made the remarks while closing the MAAIF district local government engagement on strategies to transform the agricultural sector.
He said the Ministries of Water and Environment and Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries have a common responsibility to focus on the wellbeing and productive capacity of Ugandans.
“Can human beings play football without eating? And can you eat when there is no water? When there is no water, you can’t grow food,” he said.
Gen. Otafiire said the two ministries had agreed to strengthen the division of responsibilities, with Water and Environment focusing on bulk water supply, water catchment protection and environmental conservation, while MAAIF focuses on irrigation and agricultural production.
He also called for increased investment in water harvesting and storage to retain water during heavy rains for use during dry seasons, particularly in drought-prone areas.
“We must harvest water, store it and use it during the dry season,” he said.
The Minister further urged local governments to strengthen their role in implementing Government programmes, including livestock vaccination, agricultural mobilisation and monitoring of interventions at parish and village level.
He said limited resources must be strategically prioritised to ensure Government interventions deliver tangible results for communities.
“Take care of the people, and the population will take care of itself,” Gen. Otafiire said.
