Irrigation, Seeds & Livestock Dominate Talks As Museveni Hosts Former Ethiopia PM Hailemariam

Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni on April 22, 2026, held talks with former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn at State Lodge Nakasero, in a meeting focused on deepening cooperation in agricultural transformation.

Desalegn currently serves as Chairman of the Board of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa, a key player in advancing Africa’s food systems.

During the discussions, Museveni emphasized the need to scale up irrigation, expand access to improved seed varieties, and promote the use of fertilizers to boost productivity.

He also highlighted the importance of strengthening local seed systems to ensure sustainability and resilience in Uganda’s agriculture sector.

On livestock, the President pointed to historical challenges where cattle movements in search of water and pasture complicated disease control. He called for increased research into modern animal feeds as a solution to current farmer constraints and a pathway to improved livestock management.

AGRA’s role in providing scientific support, financing, and policy advocacy was acknowledged as central to Uganda’s strategy of modernizing agriculture and improving household incomes.

The meeting reflects Uganda’s broader push to leverage partnerships and innovation to secure food systems and drive economic growth, particularly as climate pressures and population demands continue to rise.

Desalegn was accompanied to the meeting by Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Uganda, H.E Etsegenet Yimenu Bezabih and Ms Alice Ruhweza, the AGRA president among others.