The Government of Uganda has started distributing 173,913 bags of fertiliser free of charge to selected farmers as part of a wider effort to improve soil health, boost agricultural production and raise household incomes.

The fertiliser, purchased by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) from ITRACOM Fertilizers Uganda, is being provided to farmers involved in priority agricultural value chains, including coffee, tea and cocoa.

The initiative is being implemented under a Presidential Directive and is intended to help farmers address declining soil fertility and improve the efficiency of agricultural input use.

Speaking during the launch at MAAIF headquarters in Entebbe, Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries Frank Tumwebaze said the programme is part of Government's efforts to encourage more precise and evidence-based farming.

Tumwebaze stressed the importance of using agricultural inputs appropriately, noting that farmers can achieve better yields and incomes when they apply the correct input, quantity and timing.

MAAIF Permanent Secretary Maj. Gen. David Kasura-Kyomukama said low fertiliser use remains one of the challenges affecting Uganda's agricultural productivity.

He put the country's current fertiliser application rate at about 2–3 kilogrammes per hectare, while also pointing to declining soil fertility as a major constraint facing farmers.

Kasura-Kyomukama said the distribution programme will focus on speed, proximity and accountability to ensure that the fertiliser reaches the intended beneficiaries.

The bags have been clearly labelled “Government of Uganda – Not for Sale” to discourage unauthorised resale or diversion.

He further warned that farmers should not be charged for the fertiliser, saying the Government intervention is intended to reach eligible beneficiaries without additional fees.

The State Minister for Agriculture, Desire Muhooza, said the programme reflects Government's efforts to support farmers operating in strategic value chains.

She encouraged beneficiaries to work with agricultural extension officers so that the fertiliser is applied correctly and in the appropriate quantities.

ITRACOM Fertilizers Uganda, represented at the launch by Bigirimana, also reaffirmed the company's support for the distribution exercise. The company said it would assist in equipping farmers with knowledge about the proper use of fertiliser.

The launch was attended by senior officials from MAAIF, the Minister of State for Fisheries and other stakeholders.

Government expects the fertiliser intervention to help restore soil fertility, increase crop productivity, improve farmers' incomes and strengthen Uganda's food and nutrition security.

The programme therefore forms part of broader efforts to improve agricultural performance by increasing access to appropriate farm inputs while promoting responsible and efficient fertiliser use among farmers.