The Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), Hon. Frank K. Tumwebaze has pledged support to Uganda Meat Producers Cooperative Union Ltd (UMPCU) from the ministry on condition that a Meat Export Policy and Strategy is developed immediately with joint input from the technical teams of both entities. This will guide the futuristic collaboration and formulation of working Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework.
This was revealed during a high level bilateral engagement meeting between MAAIF and UMPCU held recently at the Ministry’s headquarters in Entebbe. Hon. Frank K. Tumwebaze was accompanied by the MAAIF Permanent Secretary Maj. Gen. David Kasura Kyomukama and the Principal Public Relations Officer – MAAIF (Ms. Charlotte Kemigisha), while the UMPCU contingent led by the Chairman of the Board Mr. Martin Kananura comprised of Mr. Silver Kangaho (Treasurer), Mr. Emmanuel Tayebwa (Chairperson – Planning and Development Committee) and Dr. Joseph Kagoro Ruhinda (Programs Manager).
The meeting agenda hinged on developing a functional and sustainable Public-Private Partnership between MAAIF and UMPCU especially in the areas of increasing livestock production and productivity, with focus on creating sustainable access pathways to regional and international beef markets.