Local citizens advocate for improved agricultural sector funding

Local citizens in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda have appealed to the Uganda government to give priority to the agricultural sector while making national budgets so as to reduce poverty especially in the rural areas. The appeal was made by local citizens while participating in a discussion on Hits FM radio titled, "Analysing government budgets in improving the livelihoods of the local citizens. Are the current government budgets giving priority to key sectors?"

“The government has not done enough to reduce high unemployment rates through increased budget allocation to the agricultural sector” Said Araali Wilson from Kisomoro Sub County in Kabarole District.

The panellists for the ToroDev supported radio discussion held on 13^th July 2013 were Hon. Nyakaana Richard (Kabarole District Councillor), Mr. Akugizibwe Solomon (ToroDev Staff) and Benjamin Kennedy (Local Citizen). Listeners participated through call-ins and SMS.

Uganda Finance Minister reading the 2013/14 budget

While reacting to the recently read 2013/14 Uganda National Budget, Hon. Nyakaana appealed to the government to increase allocation to the agricultural sector since it employs over 80% of the population. The agricultural sector in Uganda is always allocated less than 4% of the National Budget. Hon. Nyakaana also appealed to the government to invest more in setting up agro-processing industries in the rural areas to improve value for agricultural products so as to reduce poverty.

Mr. Benjamin appealed to the government to set up irrigation schemes and also encourage local citizens to use fertilizers to enable improved production. Benjamin also appealed to the government to improve financing of the agricultural sector to atleast 10% so as to improve food security and reduce poverty especially in the rural areas.

Mr. Solomon Akugizibwe appealed to the government to increase investments in sectors which facilitate the development of the agricultural sector through improved access to markets, value addition and knowledge on modern agriculture such as ICT’s, roads and electricity.

Akugizibwe also appealed to the government to reduce taxes on fuel because they undermine government poverty alleviation efforts because they increase the cost of local citizens doing business especially in the agricultural sector. Taxes on fuel increases the transportation of agricultural products to market centres and also increase on the cost of transporting agricultural inputs like seeds and machines.

The 2 hour weekly live radio discussion supported by ToroDev in partnership with Hits FM focuses on improving accountability for improved service delivery. The radio discussion which is moderated by Mr. William Gonza is always held on Saturdays (08:00 – 10:00pm).