Ministry needs Shs30bn to support fishing communities this year

By Francis Lubega

17^th Jan 2023

The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries – MAAIF wants Shs 30 billion to support fishing communities with fishing nets and boat engines to ensure sustainability of the fish-catching industry.

The State Minister for Animal Industry Bright Rwamirama has presented the budget framework paper for the next financial year before parliament’s Agriculture committee where the Agro-industry has been projected with about 1.4994 trillion shillings representing 3.2% of the National budget that is set to stand at Shs 49.9 trillion.

The ministry further needs Shs 15 billion to establish fish ponds and aquaculture parks with focus on youths and women in aquaculture cooperatives but only 1.02 billion has been allocated for the cause.

In purchase of animal vaccines, tick Acaricides, the ministry requires Shs 38.4 billion but only  Shs 4 billion has been allocated and also needs Shs 15.8 billion to purchase pesticides for crop disease control but have been allocated 2.23 billion only.

Minister Rwamirama pleaded before the committee chaired by the Abim District Woman MP- Janet Okori Moe that the budget cuts are revised if the ministry is to fulfill its obligations.