President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has held talks with the former Ethiopian Prime Minister, Hailemariam Desalegn, in a bid to strengthen Africa’s food systems through locally adapted agricultural solutions.

The bilateral meeting was held on Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026, at State Lodge, Nakasero, in Kampala.

Desalegn, now Board Chairperson of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), briefed Museveni on the organization’s work as it marks 20 years of operations across the continent.

Museveni welcomed AGRA’s contribution to promoting science, innovation, and policy support in agriculture but emphasized the need for solutions tailored to Africa’s realities.

He noted that traditional communal dams are becoming less effective as farmers shift to zero grazing to control livestock diseases.

The president said that the government is prioritizing modern water harvesting systems for irrigation and industrial use, while cautioning that chlorinated piped water may not be suitable for all agricultural purposes.

He added that Africa should adopt modern, homegrown farming methods instead of relying on imported models that may not suit local conditions, particularly in areas such as animal feed production.

Museveni also highlighted the role of boreholes in supporting households and reducing reliance on communal water sources.

Desalegn said that AGRA remains committed to improving food systems sustainably, noting progress made in Uganda since 2006. The organization has supported training of scientists now working with institutions like the National Agricultural Research Organization.

AGRA has also aligned with frameworks such as the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme and supported access to climate financing through the Green Climate Fund to boost resilience among smallholder farmers.