EU funded €15m project to support beef sector development in Uganda launched
In Luwero District on April 13, Mr. Aloys Lorkeers, Head of the Sustainable Development Section at the European Union Delegation to Uganda, and Hon. Joy Kabatsi, the State Minister for Agriculture, jointly launched the €15 million (UGX 67.billion) EU funded project. A large audience, composed of private sector operators, public services, including police, and local authorities attended the event.
The five year project targets every step of the meat value chain from production to consumption through processing, transport, retailing, as well as other services related to this industry, such as veterinary services. The partnership and collaboration with the Agriculture Ministry, and the Ministry of Finance as well as with other institutional partners and private sector operators will contribute to economic growth and employment, with specific attention to women and youth. Policy and regulations, aiming at establishing a solid governance of the meat value chain, including environmental sustainability, animal welfare, safety & health, and quality assurance are integral part of the chain. The project is expected to focus and operate within the two Diseases Control zones of the cattle corridor located in Central and South-Western regions in Uganda.
Addressing the audience, Mr. Lorkeers said: “The EU believes that to reduce poverty and hunger and promote inclusive growth, substantial investment in rural areas and in agriculture is needed where most poor and undernourished people live”. He added that “well-planned and well-targeted investment in small-scale farming as well as bigger farms can, therefore, help a country feed itself and reduce its dependency on outside assistance.”
Hon. Joy Kabatsi highlighted that “Ugandan beef is acknowledged as having the potential of being some of the best meat in the world because of its low cholesterol levels and nice taste since it is organically produced”. However, she raised the inconsistency of the high demand of Ugandan meat from abroad – prematurely placed, against the current low production and, consequently, the inability of the country to meet the demand. In this respect, she added that “interventions aiming at increasing the quality and productivity of beef must be prioritized to enable Uganda to attain acceptable standards for the local, regional and international markets.”
The European Union in Uganda is committed toward the inclusive and sustainable development of value chain commodities, aiming at creating jobs, especially for youth and women, increasing food production and therefore helping the country to pull out from poverty and malnutrition. In doing so, the European Union contributes to the attainment of the ultimate objectives of the National Development Plan II and Vision 2040.