President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Monday held high-level discussions with the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, Dr. QU Dongyu, focusing on Uganda’s efforts to transform its agrifood systems and enhance agricultural productivity.
The meeting, held at State House Entebbe, emphasized the strategic importance of agriculture in Uganda’s economic transformation, food security, and household income growth.
Dr. QU Dongyu expressed FAO’s full support for Uganda’s ongoing efforts to modernize the sector through value chain development, resilience-building, and inclusive rural growth.
“I was honoured to meet H.E. President @KagutaMuseveni to discuss Uganda’s progress in transforming its agrifood systems. I reaffirmed @FAO’s commitment to developing value chains that enhance productivity, build resilience, and ensure food and income security,” Dr. Dongyu posted on X after the meeting.
President Museveni welcomed FAO’s support and reiterated Uganda’s commitment to leveraging its agricultural potential as a foundation for industrialization and export-led growth.
The meeting comes at a time when Uganda is prioritizing agriculture under its Parish Development Model (PDM) and Agro-Industrialization Programme, key pillars in the Third National Development Plan (NDPIII).
FAO has been a longstanding partner in Uganda’s agriculture sector, supporting climate-smart agriculture, policy frameworks, and youth engagement in agri-enterprises.
Dr. Dongyu’s visit highlights growing international confidence in Uganda’s food systems agenda, especially following the country’s commitments at the UN Food Systems Summit and other regional platforms.
Dongyu’s meeting comes days before the Second UN Food Systems Summit Stocktake (UNFSS+4) opens in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The summit, co-hosted by Ethiopia and Italy from July 27–29, 2025, will mark four years since the landmark 2021 UN Food Systems Summit and will serve as a critical moment for countries to reflect on progress, renew political commitment, and mobilize resources for transforming global food systems.
On the same day, Vice President Jessica Alupo hosted Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Uganda Etsegenet Yimenu Bezabih to discuss the upcoming summit where Uganda is expected to participate.
The summit will assess progress since the 2021 meeting and Uganda’s National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO)’s efforts will contribute to this global dialogue.
Before his meeting with the president, Dongyu met with Uganda’s Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) officials including Minister Bright Rwamirama who hailed the meeting as a major boost to ongoing efforts to unlock the full potential of agriculture for national development.
