Uganda’s Opposition Moves to Slash 30% Crop Losses with New Farming Bill

Uganda’s opposition lawmakers are pushing for a new law to tackle massive crop losses that currently wipe out nearly a third of the country’s harvest. The proposed Contract Farming Bill, along with a national post-harvest management policy and reforms in agricultural finance, aims to cut losses estimated at between 22 and 30 percent. The initiative, introduced in Uganda’s 12th Parliament, targets a critical weakness in the nation’s farming sector. Under the current system, poor storage, transport delays, and a lack of guaranteed buyers lead to significant amounts of food spoiling before it reaches the market. Contract farming, as outlined in the bill, would formalize agreements between farmers and buyers before planting begins. This ensures a guaranteed market and price for produce, reducing the risk of surplus or waste. The proposed policy would also standardize how crops are handled and stored after harvest. In addition, the opposition is calling for changes to agricultural financing, aiming to give farmers easier access to credit for better equipment and storage facilities. The combined measures are designed to stabilize food supply and increase farmer incomes, a move experts say could transform rural livelihoods if passed.