By Joseph muyingo
Sironko District Woman Member of Parliament Hon. Asha Mafabi Nabulo has called for a comprehensive legal framework to transform Uganda’s smallholder farming sector and strengthen farmers’ resilience to climate change.
Nabulo has tabled a motion in Parliament urging Government to establish and legally anchor the National Smallholder Farmers’ Transformation and Climate Resilience Programme, arguing that millions of farmers continue to struggle with limited access to affordable inputs, financing, markets, modern technology and extension services.
She says the absence of a coordinated framework has continued to undermine agricultural productivity, household incomes and the competitiveness of Uganda’s farming sector.
Nabulo argues that the proposed programme should be backed by sustainable financing and strong coordination among Government agencies and other stakeholders to help farmers move from subsistence agriculture to commercially viable production.
She also wants farmers integrated into profitable value chains, with greater opportunities for value addition and agro-processing.
According to Nabulo, effectively implementing the programme could increase food production, improve household incomes and strengthen Uganda’s food security, while positioning the country to supply food markets across East and Central Africa.
She further says empowering smallholder farmers would contribute to rural economic growth, create employment opportunities and help reduce poverty among farming communities.
The motion was tabled during a plenary sitting of Parliament chaired by Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa.
Nabulo says climate resilience must remain central to Uganda’s agricultural transformation, as farmers increasingly face climate-related shocks that threaten production and livelihoods.
