Govt agrees to release Shs30 billion for coffee, tea seedlings

This announcement comes in the wake of parliament slamming government for delaying the supply seedlings to farmers. Last week, the deputy speaker, Thomas Tayebwa gave the government an ultimatum to approve the supply of seedlings to farmers before the rainy season comes to an end.

Minister Kasaija announced on Tuesday, September 27 that, “We shall release the money to Uganda Coffee Development Authority and National Agricultural Advisory Services as per the budget. I need to check with the Treasury, but we shall release the money as soon as possible."

He however clarified that the demand for seedlings stands at Shs93 billion, and that the release to be made in this financial year does not include the excess of Shs60 billion.

“The money in the budget is not sufficient to cover all the seedlings in nursery beds. There is need for an additional Shs60 billion which will be paid in the next two financial years,” Kasaija said.

He said that the additional supply of seedlings will be done through the Savings and Credit Associations under the Parish Development Model (PDM).

He explained that up until 2021/2022 financial year, government policy had been for Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) and National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS) to procure seedlings from certified coffee and tea nursery operators.

“However, government has since decided to transfer funding previously appropriated for procurement of seedlings from UCDA and NAADs to PDM starting this financial year, 2022/2023,” said Kasaija.

The Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Frank Tumwebaze, said that the Ministry will ensure that seedlings are supplied, once the authorisation is given.

“We have won one step, the Minister of Finance has allowed supply of seedlings, even if there is no money, as long as the Minister of Finance and the Permanent Secretary and Secretary to Treasury write and authorise supply, it will take place,” he said.

He added that the Ministry of Agriculture together with that of Finance, will work out modalities on verification of coffee farmers and suppliers.

“We shall verify who has been supplied such that you do not come and tell us that air was supplied. The Treasury is tight, every penny paid must be accounted for. Verification should be left to Ministry of Agriculture,” said Tumwebaze.

Deputy Speaker, Thomas Tayebwa, advised the Minister of Finance to appropriately handle the supply of seedlings that were not budgeted for in the 2022/2023 financial year budget.