The newly appointed Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Hon. Frank Tumwebaze, has pledged to engage the Ministry of Finance to ensure Ugandan farmers have greater access to affordable, low-interest loans aimed at boosting agricultural production and commercialization.
Tumwebaze made the commitment shortly after appearing before the Parliamentary Appointments Committee for vetting.
During the session, committee members raised concerns about the state of irrigation schemes and the pace of agricultural commercialization across the country.
In response, the minister said he would work closely with the government and the Ministry of Finance to secure additional funding for the Uganda Development Bank.
He explained that increased capitalization of the bank would enable more Ugandans to access affordable credit, invest in agriculture, and enhance productivity across the sector.
Tumwebaze also reaffirmed his support for the Parish Development Model (PDM), describing it as a key government initiative for transforming household incomes and promoting wealth creation at the grassroots level.
He pledged to continue advocating for the programme to ensure that low-income earners can access financial support and actively participate in commercial farming.
The minister expressed optimism that improved access to financing, combined with strategic investments in irrigation infrastructure and agricultural value chains would strengthen Uganda’s agricultural sector and contribute significantly to national economic development.
He noted that empowering farmers with affordable capital remains essential to increasing production, improving food security, and accelerating the commercialization of agriculture across the country.
By Francis Lubega
1st June 2026
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