The Refarm Group of Companies in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has formalized an agreement with the Ugandan government to establish fertilizer manufacturing operations within Uganda. Agriculture Minister Frank Tumwebaze signed the memorandum of understanding (MOU) on behalf of the Ugandan government at the 28th annual United Nations Climate Change Summit (COP28) in Dubai.
During the signing ceremony, Minister Tumwebaze emphasized the significance of the collaboration, highlighting the importance of precision farming enablers in climate-smart agriculture. He expressed optimism that the partnership would contribute to sustainable agricultural practices and enhance production and productivity.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, who attended the ceremony representing President Yoweri Museveni, praised the agreement, noting that it would increase Uganda’s access to quality and affordable fertilizers, ultimately boosting agricultural productivity. Uganda’s ambassador to the UAE, Zaake Kibedi, and Agriculture Ministry Permanent Secretary Maj. Gen. (rtd) David Kasura-Kyomukama were also present at the signing.
This collaboration follows the Ugandan government’s efforts to support local agribusiness initiatives. Minister Tumwebaze had previously commended Grainpulse, a fertilizer company, for its role in promoting value-added production of local grains in Uganda. The government aims to reduce the costs of agricultural inputs such as seeds and fertilizers, and partnerships with companies like Grainpulse contribute to achieving this goal. Grainpulse, an integrated agribusiness company, focuses on producing crop-specific fertilizer blends and providing market access for farmers’ outputs.
