Speaking at a breakfast meeting with legislators that was organised by Share An Opportunity Uganda at Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala, on 22 November 2018, with support from the Interchurch Organisation for Development Cooperation (ICCO), Honourable Julius Ocheng Member of Parliament, Kabelebyong said, “It’s true we have not done much to help the farmers but we need to give them more strength to ensure that they get the best. That is why I promise to walk with SAO on this journey of the Market Act because as parliamentarians, we need to give back to our communities by ensuring that there is a law that helps them get profits from what they sell.”
Hon Ocheng said it is very important that parliamentarians ensure that the Market Act is amended and passed because, “It’s the only way we can give back to our people as parliamentarians.”
Hon Janet Okori, the Woman Member of Parliament, Abim District and also the Chairperson of the Agricultural Parliamentary Committee thanked SAO for the integration they have made in Abim and promised to ensure that the law is amended and passed into law.
Speaking at the same function, Florence Soobi, the National Director of SAO U said SAO’s dream is to see that the recommendations that were made by the Uganda Law Reform Commission and Ministry of Local Government be adopted so that the Market Act, CAP 94 will be tabled and passed.
One of the small holder farmers’ representatives at the meeting, Mr Emmanuel Eteru said some of the issues that need to be addressed in the Market Act are: Middle men who normally offer low prices to farmers, extension services that need to be made available to farmers so that they use good agricultural practices in their gardens, the need for strong farmers’ networks at the district level and the need for a good law that can address the issues that affect small holder farmers.
Legislators therefore promised to ensure that the Market Act is amended and passed into law as a pathway to empower farming activities in the country.
By Sarah Tumwebaze
Communications and Marketing Officer
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