The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF) has delivered a total of 40 motorbikes to districts in Central and Southwestern Uganda.
While handing over the bikes on Monday, August 19, 2024, Frank Tumwebaze, the Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF), said it was meant to empower extension workers with mobility tools to enable them to carry out farm outreaches.
“As MAAIF, we are continuing to empower extension workers at the sub-county level with mobility tools to enable them to carry out farm outreaches and offer advisory on best agronomical practices and disease control. We gave out 40 more motorcycles today to various districts,” the minister said.
Tumwebaze emphasized the importance of equitable resource distribution to ensure that no district is left behind.
“Our goal is clear: every district in Uganda must have the tools and resources they need to succeed in agriculture. These motorbikes are not just for show; they are ‘fit for purpose and designed to meet the specific needs of our agricultural extension officers as they work to improve disease control and farming practices across the country,” he stated.
The minister said that the provision of motorbikes and other means of transport through the MAAIF is a phased initiative aimed at improving the mobility of officers in agricultural extension and veterinary services in all districts.
Tumwebaze urged the beneficiaries to use the motorcycles only for the intended purposes.
On July 19, 2024, the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries distributed 162 motorcycles to 81 districts in the sub-regions of Lango, Acholi, Karamoja, West Nile, Greater Luwero, Sebei, and Teso.