NEWS
In a significant move aimed at streamlining agricultural services, Parliament has approved the government’s proposal to abolish the Cotton Development Organization (CDO), Dairy Development Authority (DDA), and the National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS). Their functions will be integrated into the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries (MAAIF).
Agriculture Minister Frank Tumwebaze supported the rationalization, stating that it would enhance efficiency by eliminating duplication of roles within the sector. He emphasized that integrating these agencies into the ministry would lead to improved service delivery.
Lira District Woman MP Linda Auma, who chairs the parliamentary agriculture committee, backed the decision but stressed the importance of absorbing CDO experts into the ministry to ensure the continuity of cotton sector activities.
“The cotton sector will remain operational as long as experts from the organization are integrated into the ministry,” Auma assured, alleviating concerns about the sector’s future.
While presenting the bill on the Dairy Development Authority, Auma expressed support for the merger but cautioned the government to safeguard the progress made in the dairy sector, given the perishable nature of milk.
“Government needs to ensure mainstreaming DDA into MAAIF. It should not jeopardize the ongoing processes of recognition and accreditation that are critical for market access,” she said on Wednesday.
State Minister for Animal Industries, Bright Rwamirama, also defended the merger of NAADS, explaining that the ministry had already been overseeing its distribution activities. He reassured Parliament that these functions would now be managed under the ministry’s agribusiness directorate without disruption to the distribution of agricultural inputs.
The move is part of the broader government strategy to rationalize public agencies, reducing overlap and ensuring that agricultural services are delivered more effectively across the country.
