PM Nabbanja Accuses Extension Workers of Failing Farmers

Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja has criticised agricultural extension workers for neglecting their duties to provide technical guidance to farmers.

She noted that this lack of support has left many farmers struggling to realize the full potential of agriculture, with some even abandoning farming altogether—despite its transformative potential for the economy.

Nabbanja expressed her concerns while showcasing her four-acre model onion farm in Kakumiro to local leaders from Bunyoro sub-region.

She lamented the inefficiency of extension workers, despite the government’s efforts to increase their salaries, and directed Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs) and local politicians to take action.

“I started this farm almost six months ago, and I have never seen any government extension worker visiting it. The farm is by the roadside, yet I have to rely on private extension workers,” Nabbanja said. “If I, as the Prime Minister, experience this, how about farmers who cannot afford private services? This is unacceptable.”

Extension Workers Underperforming Despite Salary Increases

Nabbanja questioned why extension workers continue to underperform, even after the government raised their salaries significantly.

“They used to complain about low pay, but now the Minister of Finance,  Matia Kasaija, has ensured they are well paid—some earn up to Shs 5 million. Yet, they are not delivering.

This is a disappointment. Leaders and CAOs must address this issue urgently because our farmers need help,” Nabbanja emphasised.

Model Farming to Inspire Leaders and Farmers

The Prime Minister said her venture into model farming was inspired by President Museveni’s call for leaders to lead by example.

“The President has always urged us to be model leaders. I had not been very active in farming before, but I decided to start this onion farm, and it is doing well. The beauty of onions is that everything is usable—we have already sold the leaves, and the tubers are in demand. We even have market opportunities in Arab countries,” Nabbanja shared.

She encouraged fellow leaders to embrace high-value crops and guide their communities in adopting similar practices.

“Leaders must lead by example. Encourage farmers to grow high-value crops like onions, which can even be intercropped with other crops. Besides the international market, there is strong local demand. Farmers in areas like Kabale and the East have greatly benefited from onion farming,” she added.

Government Support for Farmers

Finance Minister Matia Kasaija assured farmers that the government remains committed to providing resources under various agricultural programs.

“Every year, I allocate funds to programs aimed at improving the lives of our people. The Ministry of Agriculture also distributes seeds. We want to ensure that Ugandans improve their livelihoods through farming,” Kasaija said.

Nabbanja’s remarks highlight the critical role of agricultural extension workers in driving the success of farming ventures and the need for better accountability in service delivery.