The Refarm Group of Companies in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has officially signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Government of Uganda to establish fertilizer manufacturing operations in the country. The agreement was signed by Agriculture Minister Frank Tumwebaze at the ongoing 28th annual United Nations Climate Change Summit (COP28) in Dubai, with Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja and UAE’s Economy Minister, Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, in attendance.
Minister Tumwebaze expressed the significance of the collaboration, stating that the UAE agro-industrial company’s involvement in Uganda’s fertilizer production aligns with climate-smart agriculture practices. He emphasized that access to quality and affordable fertilizers is a crucial strategy for sustainable improvements in agricultural production and productivity.
Prime Minister Nabbanja, representing President Yoweri Museveni at COP28, highlighted the positive impact of the agreement on Uganda’s fertilizer accessibility and agricultural productivity. The MOU aims to strengthen collaboration between the two parties, fostering increased fertilizer production within Uganda.
The signing ceremony was attended by Uganda’s Ambassador to the UAE, Zaake Kibedi, and the Permanent Secretary of the Agriculture Ministry, Maj. Gen. (rtd) David Kasura-Kyomukama. The agreement with Refarm Group is expected to contribute significantly to Uganda’s efforts to enhance its agricultural sector and boost local fertilizer manufacturing capabilities.
In a related development, Agriculture Minister Tumwebaze commended Grainpulse, a fertilizer company, for its pioneering efforts in promoting value-added production of local grains in Uganda. He highlighted the government’s initiatives to reduce input costs for farmers, emphasizing collaborations with companies like Grainpulse to achieve cost reductions and enhance the quality of agricultural products. Grainpulse, an integrated agribusiness company, produces crop-specific fertilizer blends and facilitates market access for farmers’ outputs.
