KAMPALA– Uganda is hosting a landmark Agrifood Systems Investment and Financing Summit aimed at advancing socio-economic transformation through strategic agricultural investment.
The two-day summit, held at the Uganda Industrial Research Institute in Namanve, convened key stakeholders under the theme: “Catalyzing Innovative Financing and Investments in Uganda’s Agrifood Systems for Accelerated Socio-Economic Transformation and Sustainable Development.”
Organized by the African Agribusiness Incubators Network (AAIN), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and Uganda’s Ministry of Agriculture, the event brought together policymakers, agribusiness leaders, financiers, researchers, and development partners to address urgent challenges and unlock investment opportunities within Uganda’s agrifood sector.
FAO Representative to Uganda, Mr. Yergalme Taages Beraki, emphasized the importance of local solutions in the face of declining global aid.
“Uganda must now turn to alternative and domestic financing mechanisms to close investment gaps in agriculture and trade. The time to act is now,” he said.
Mr. Beraki also praised Uganda’s alignment with international frameworks such as the UN Food Systems Summit and the African Union’s CAADP, reaffirming FAO’s commitment to supporting investments that foster “better production, better nutrition, better environment, and better lives—leaving no one behind.”
“Over 34% of Ugandans remain undernourished, and more than 12 million face food insecurity,” Minister Rwamirama noted.
“Transformation requires more than good policy—it requires financing,” he added, urging the adoption of blended financing models and systems-based approaches.
Other speakers emphasized the importance of collective action and strategic coordination.
Edward Walugembe, from the Office of the Prime Minister, stressed the need for unified national efforts:
“We need to work together to achieve our development goals. Coordination, connectedness, continuity, and communication are essential.”
AGRA Uganda Country Director David Wozemba urged stakeholders to shift from planning to action:
“The transformation agenda is not a one-person show. We must focus on implementation to drive real change.”
Dr. Ivan Lule of the National Planning Authority highlighted the alignment between food systems transformation and Uganda’s long-term development goals:
“The Fourth National Development Plan (NDP4) is aligned with our ten-fold growth strategy. Transforming food systems is key to achieving that vision.”
