UNATA Rallies Farmers to Embrace Value Addition: Entrepreneurs Urged to Invest in Agro-Processing to Boost Incomes.UNATA Calls for Lower Business Registration Costs for Startups.
Ugandan farmers and entrepreneurs have been urged to invest in value addition as a key strategy for transforming agriculture into a profitable commercial enterprise. Stakeholders say expanding agro-processing will increase farmers' incomes, create employment opportunities, reduce post-harvest losses, and improve the competitiveness of Uganda's agricultural products in regional and international markets.
Ugandan leaders and agricultural experts are encouraging farmers and entrepreneurs to move beyond exporting raw agricultural commodities by investing in local processing and value addition.
They say increasing local processing will create jobs, reduce post-harvest losses, increase export earnings, and support the government's strategy of industrialisation and economic transformation.
Speaking exclusively to this reporter, the Executive Director of the Uganda National Traders Alliance (UNATA), Kwebihha Muzamil Abwooli, commended Ugandans who have invested in value addition, saying their efforts are supporting the government's vision of promoting industrialisation and commercial agriculture.
Muzamil said although investment in agro-processing is growing, many Ugandan entrepreneurs, particularly the youth, continue to face limited access to affordable financing, making it difficult for them to compete with established investors.
He also called for a review of the costs associated with business registration and quality compliance for startup enterprises, arguing that high operational costs discourage innovation and limit the growth of small businesses.
Muzamil further urged Ugandans to support locally manufactured products, saying increased consumption of Ugandan-made goods would strengthen domestic industries, create more jobs, and accelerate economic growth.
Agriculture remains Uganda's largest employer, supporting about 70 per cent of the population. Stakeholders say increasing investment in value addition will enable the country to earn more from its agricultural produce while reducing reliance on the export of raw commodities.
