By Patriot Corps
Serere, October 16, 2024- The Vice President of Uganda, Maj. (Rtd.) Jessica Rose Alupo Epel, has emphasized the critical need for food security and sustainable agricultural practices in the face of climate change. Speaking at the 44th World Food Day celebrations held at the National Semi-Arid Resources Research Institute (NaSARRI) in Serere District, the Vice President urged all stakeholders to embrace climate-smart agriculture to ensure a food-secure future for Uganda.
The event, organized by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF) in partnership with research institutions like NaSARRI and international partners, was held under the theme *”Right to Foods for a Better Life and a Better Future.”* The Vice President underscored the importance of the right to food as a basic human right and a cornerstone of Uganda’s national development agenda.
During her address, Alupo celebrated NaSARRI’s contribution to agricultural research, as the institute, which has been operational for 102 years, marked the release of two new varieties of beans and groundnuts. “This truly embodies a ‘food day’ celebration in every sense,” she said.
The Vice President noted that while Uganda has made strides in increasing agricultural production, climate change continues to impact food systems, necessitating better approaches to food production and post-harvest handling. She highlighted the importance of investing in supportive infrastructure such as irrigation, mechanization, and water resource management to mitigate these effects.
“We remain committed to climate-smart agriculture practices that ensure sustainable food production in the face of climate change,” Alupo said, reiterating President Yoweri Museveni’s call for farmers, researchers, policymakers, and the private sector to adopt resilient agricultural methods.
She also emphasized the need to improve food safety standards and promote nutrition-sensitive agriculture to combat malnutrition, especially among children and vulnerable populations. The Vice President commended NaSARRI and other research institutions for developing climate-resilient crop varieties that are both nutritious and productive.
Alupo reaffirmed the government’s support for providing farmers with quality agricultural inputs and extension services while encouraging investment in agro-processing and value addition to create jobs and enhance incomes, particularly for women and youth. She urged farmers to adopt modern, sustainable farming practices that meet both family and market needs.
The Vice President also recognized development partners like the UN, FAO, and the European Union for their efforts in building a food-secure Uganda. She emphasized that achieving Vision 2040, which positions agriculture as central to Uganda’s economic growth, will require continued collaboration between the government, civil society, and the private sector.
“As we look to the future, we envision a Uganda where every citizen enjoys the right to safe and nutritious food, and where agriculture drives our economy toward middle-income status,” Alupo concluded, wishing all attendees a happy World Food Day.
The event attracted a wide range of participants, including government officials, members of parliament, farmers, researchers, and representatives from civil society, all united in the mission to create a better and food-secure Uganda.