President Kaguta Museveni urged a shift towards producing casein and powdered milk to tap into the lucrative international market in an address to dairy farmers from Kazo and Kiruhura districts at Karo Primary School in Nshwere, Kiruhura District. The call comes as Uganda’s annual milk production reaches five billion liters, presenting an opportunity for farmers to explore processed products for export and secure better prices on the global stage.
President Museveni emphasized the strategic move from liquid milk to processed products, citing the cost-effectiveness and increased market demand for powdered milk in comparison to its liquid counterpart. Recognizing the potential of Uganda’s dairy industry, he highlighted the importance of meeting external market requirements, stressing the need for value addition to enhance the competitiveness of the country’s dairy products in international trade.
Reflecting on the success stories within the dairy industry, President Museveni commended farmers who embraced transformative practices such as zero grazing. He acknowledged the industry’s substantial growth but noted the challenge of insufficient markets for dairy products, calling on farmers to focus on the broader picture, namely the external market.
The President urged dairy farmers to consider the lighter and less expensive nature of powdered milk for exportation, emphasizing the need to explore the international demand for dairy products. He underlined the importance of prioritizing value addition in the dairy sector and expressed optimism about the potential impact of an anti-tick vaccine currently in development.
President Museveni praised the efforts of scientists working on the anti-tick vaccine, foreseeing its potential to revolutionize livestock health. The Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Mr. Frank Tumwebaze, shared positive news about the vaccine’s efficacy, stating that it stands at an impressive 88 percent, surpassing existing vaccines.
The meeting, attended by notable figures including the Bishop of North Ankole Diocese, Rev Canon Stephen Namanya, Nyabushozi County MP Wilson Kajwengye, and Dairy Development Authority executive director Samson Akankiza, emphasized the collaboration between government officials, farmers, and scientists to drive positive change in Uganda’s dairy industry.
