Government has launched a national agricultural transformation coalition aimed at accelerating the shift of smallholder farmers from subsistence to commercial farming under the Parish Development Model (PDM).
The initiative, rolled out through Operation Wealth Creation today at the Uganda Media Centre, brings together key stakeholders including the Uganda National Farmers Federation, the Uganda Development Forum, local governments, and the PDM Secretariat to address long standing challenges limiting agricultural productivity.
Officials said the coalition introduces a more structured, parish-based approach focused on practical training, enterprise guidance, and stronger market linkages to ensure that public investments translate into sustainable incomes for farmers.
Speaking at the launch, Edward Katende acknowledged that previous interventions have not delivered the desired transformation, largely due to limited farmer support beyond capital disbursement.
“Government capital disbursed through PDM reaches communities, but without farmer education, enterprise selection guidance and demonstration of viable models, conversion from cash to sustainable enterprise remains dangerously low,” he said.
Under the new framework, government will establish practical training hubs at parish level to provide hands on learning through model farmers. These centres will guide communities in selecting viable enterprises based on market demand and ecological suitability, while also offering incubation support to ensure long-term sustainability.
Community facilitators will play a central role in guiding farmers through structured enterprise selection processes, marking a shift from earlier approaches that focused primarily on financial support.
“Capital without capacity is not development. This partnership is about ensuring that every shilling invested translates into a productive, sustainable enterprise,” Katende added.
The coalition also places strong emphasis on youth involvement, leveraging Presidential Skilling Hubs to equip young people with modern agricultural and agro-processing skills, alongside access to financing and mentorship.
Local governments have been tasked with taking a more active role in implementation, with Chief Administrative Officers and town clerks expected to lead farmer mobilisation, oversee programme execution, and ensure measurable outcomes at the parish level.
Officials say the programme will be showcased at the upcoming National Agricultural Show scheduled for June 26 to July 11, 2026, where a dedicated “Wealth Creation Village” will highlight success stories, link farmers to markets and investors, and provide ongoing support services.
The launch comes at a time when agriculture continues to employ over 70 percent of Uganda’s workforce, yet a significant number of households remain trapped in low productivity subsistence farming.
Government says the integrated approach combining capital, training, enterprise selection, and market access marks a major shift in strategy aimed at unlocking the full potential of the sector and improving rural livelihoods.
