President Museveni's Nine Silver Bullets for Agricultural Transformation at the CAADP Kampala Summit 2025

On the final day of the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Summit held at Speke Resort Munyonyo, Uganda's President, H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, delivered a powerful address aimed at driving agricultural transformation in Africa. The event, which brought together African leaders, agricultural experts, and development partners, culminated with President Museveni unveiling his “Nine Silver Bullets” to modernize agriculture and move it away from pre-capitalist, pre-socialist traditional modes to modern, commercial farming.

In his remarks, President Museveni underscored the critical need for Africa to break away from subsistence agriculture—locally referred to as kukolera ekidda kyoonka (working only for the stomach)—and adopt commercial agriculture based on ekibaro (calculation). He emphasized that the transformation of agriculture is vital for economic growth, poverty eradication, and food security across the continent. Below are the nine key strategies he outlined:

1. Political Mobilization and Sensitization President Museveni called for a strong political mobilization effort to sensitize the population about the importance of transitioning from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture. He stressed that farmers must adopt a mindset of producing for both consumption and profit. “We must move our people away from working only for the stomach to producing for the market with proper calculation,” he noted.                          2. Scientific Research and Improved Seeds        The President commended Ugandan scientists for their role in developing improved seeds that yield higher outputs, resist diseases, and withstand drought conditions. He reiterated the importance of continuous scientific research to ensure farmers have access to high-quality planting materials. “I salute our scientists for developing a long list of improved seeds that are helping farmers achieve better yields,” he said.     3. Best Agro-Practices                              Highlighting the need for farmer education, President Museveni advocated for sensitizing farmers on best agro-practices such as proper spacing, mulching, and water conservation. These practices, he said, are essential to improving productivity and ensuring sustainable farming.    4. Disease Control                                                      To tackle agricultural diseases and pests, President Museveni called for robust disease control measures, including regular vaccinations and spraying against pests. He emphasized that a proactive approach would protect crops and livestock, thereby boosting yields.                          5. Food Safety                                                          The President stressed the importance of ensuring food safety, particularly in combating aflatoxins, which pose a significant threat to public health and export markets. He urged stakeholders to implement measures to eliminate such toxins in agricultural products.                        6. Irrigation to Stabilize Agriculture            President Museveni identified irrigation as a critical solution to stabilize agriculture amidst unpredictable rainfall patterns. He encouraged the adoption of gravity or solar-powered water pumps, which are cost-effective and sustainable. “Standby irrigation systems will eliminate the risks associated with unreliable rainfall and ensure year-round farming,” he said.                      7. Use of Fertilizers                              Acknowledging soil nutrient depletion in many parts of Africa, the President highlighted the importance of using fertilizers to restore soil fertility. He urged farmers to embrace fertilizers as a way to boost productivity and ensure better crop yields.                                                                  8. Soil Mapping                                              President Museveni emphasized the need for comprehensive soil mapping to identify the most suitable crops for specific regions. He noted that soil mapping would help optimize agricultural potential by matching crops with the right soil conditions.                                                                   9. Discouraging Land Fragmentation                Land fragmentation, especially due to inheritance practices, was identified as a major hindrance to agricultural productivity. The President urged Ugandans and other African nations to discourage land fragmentation, which he referred to as creating “Land with Disability (LWD).” He proposed consolidated farming practices to allow for larger-scale, more efficient agricultural enterprises.                                 In his closing remarks, President Museveni emphasized the need for collective action among African nations to transform agriculture. He noted that the continent has immense potential to become a global food basket if governments, scientists, and farmers work together. He also called on development partners to support Africa’s agricultural modernization agenda.          The CAADP Summit at Speke Resort Munyonyo served as a platform for exchanging ideas and commitments to achieving food security and agricultural sustainability in Africa. President Museveni’s practical and visionary strategies provide a roadmap for nations to harness their agricultural potential and improve the livelihoods of millions of farmers across the continent.                  With his “Nine Silver Bullets,” the President reaffirmed Uganda’s leadership in championing agricultural transformation in Africa. His address resonated with delegates and stakeholders, who lauded his visionary leadership and commitment to ensuring that agriculture remains a pillar of economic growth and development in Uganda and beyond.