Uganda: Prisons boosts agriculture with over 1.2 million kilos of seeds

The Uganda Prisons Service has become a key player in the agricultural sector, producing more than 1.2 million kilogrammes of high-quality seeds during the 2023/24 financial year. This initiative, directed by President Museveni eight years ago, supports the government's efforts to enhance food security and drive economic growth. According to Eli Muhumuza, Assistant Commissioner General of Prisons and Director of Planning, Research, and Project Development, the seeds produced include Maize Hybrid 5355 and 5051, Soybean Mak Soy N6 and N3, and Cotton BPA 2015. These efforts align with Uganda's agricultural transformation agenda. Despite its importance to the economy, agricultural sector faces challenges such as low productivity, limited market access, inadequate financing, and climate change. These issues have restricted growth, competitiveness, and opportunities for farmers, particularly smallholders, women, and youth. As a result, the sector's potential to reduce poverty and ...