agriculture 2 June 2026 State House (Uganda)

Uganda and Netherlands Explore Boosting Animal Feed Ingredients

President Museveni has discussed with the Dutch Ambassador strategies to increase local production of raw materials like maize, cassava, and soya to meet the growing demand from the animal feed industry. Discussions also touched on tax incentives and environmental conservation through fish farming. Source: https://statehouse.go.ug/president-museveni-dutch-ambassador-discuss-boosting-raw-materials-for-animal-feed-industry

President Yoweri Museveni met with the Ambassador of the Netherlands to Uganda, H.E. Frederieke Quispel, at State House, Entebbe. The meeting centered on strengthening agricultural ties, particularly focusing on the animal feed and fish farming sectors, alongside broader economic cooperation.

A significant point of discussion was the need to enhance the supply of raw materials for Dutch investments in Uganda’s burgeoning animal feed industry, including the De Heus Fish Feed Factory.

President Museveni highlighted the importance of boosting yields of key crops such as maize, cassava, and soya to satisfy the increasing demand from animal feed manufacturers. He announced plans to convene a conference for maize growers to devise strategies for increased production.

Furthermore, the President suggested removing import duties on locally produced animal feeds to encourage domestic production and attract further investment into the sector.

On environmental initiatives, President Museveni emphasized the government’s promotion of fish farming as an alternative livelihood, aiming to reduce encroachment on vital wetland ecosystems, particularly by rice growers.

Ambassador Quispel expressed her satisfaction with her posting in Uganda and conveyed greetings from the King of the Netherlands, affirming the Netherlands’ commitment to deepening economic collaboration. She noted that over 60 Dutch businesses operate in Uganda, positioning the Netherlands as a major foreign investor.

However, Quispel pointed out a critical challenge: Dutch companies involved in animal feed production are struggling to secure sufficient local raw materials. This shortage necessitates importing products like soya from Zambia, as well as maize and cassava, with the current supply from smallholder farmers proving inadequate.

She added that Dutch investors are keen to support cooperatives to boost production, recognizing the substantial demand for these feed ingredients. The Ambassador also expressed optimism about Uganda’s agricultural sector and continued bilateral cooperation.