The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Odongo Jeje Abubakhar, has reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to sustainable agricultural transformation while preserving indigenous knowledge systems during a meeting with the newly accredited representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to Uganda.
The Minister on Tuesday received Letters of Credence from Ezana Getahun Kassa at a ceremony in Kampala that highlighted growing cooperation between Uganda and the United Nations agency on food security and agricultural development.
During the meeting, Gen. Odongo described agriculture as the backbone of Uganda’s economy and livelihoods, noting that the sector remains central to employment and economic growth across many developing countries.
He said Uganda is pursuing modernization of agriculture while also protecting traditional farming practices and indigenous knowledge systems that have sustained communities for generations.
The Minister also raised concerns over climate change and shifting weather patterns, warning that climate variability continues to threaten food security and agricultural productivity.
He emphasized the importance of balancing innovation with cultural and socio-economic realities, particularly in discussions surrounding biotechnology and genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
“Uganda seeks to improve productivity while safeguarding what is uniquely ours,” Gen. Odongo said, adding that partnerships with organizations such as Food and Agriculture Organization are vital in helping the country navigate emerging agricultural challenges.
He further described Uganda’s equatorial climate as a strategic advantage that supports year-round agricultural production, even as the country faces increasing climate-related pressures.
Gen. Odongo reiterated government’s commitment to coordinated and cross-sectoral collaboration aimed at building resilience and achieving sustainable agricultural transformation.
In his remarks, Kassa thanked the Ugandan government for the warm reception and reaffirmed FAO’s commitment to supporting Uganda’s development priorities.
He praised Uganda’s agricultural potential and favorable climate, describing the country as a strategic partner in strengthening regional food security.
Kassa also stressed that agriculture intersects with several sectors and ministries and requested support to engage broadly across government institutions beyond the agriculture sector.
In response, the Minister welcomed the proposal and assured the FAO representative that Uganda remains open to collaborative engagement through established diplomatic and government coordination channels.
The meeting concluded with both parties expressing commitment to strengthening technical cooperation and advancing sustainable agricultural development for the benefit of Ugandans.
