By Namugerwa Martha
The Prime Minister, Ruhakana Rugunda has said government will not ban food exportation.
While at Parliament on Wednesday, said it is the government’s policy, to encourage regional trade not to frustrate it.
We do not believe the currently increasing regional trade, should be disrupted because of this temporary situation,”he said
Dr.Rugunda was responding to the Lugazi Municipality Member of Parliament (MP),Isaac Mulindwa’s call for food exportation ban.
Mr Mulidwa had also suggested the government should exempt food imports from tax.
According to the Agricultural ministry,1.6 million people are in need of relief food. At the beginning of this month the East African weekly newspaper, reported that, in the past three months, Uganda has exported more than 28,000 tonnes of maize worth $.14 million to the region.
This year, Uganda has sold 13,312 tonnes of maize, to the neighbours with the bulk going to Tanzania(7;240 tonnes), followed by Rwanda (3,566 tonnes) then Kenya (2,506 tonnes).
As food insecurity reaches alarming levels across various parts of the region. Dr. Rugunda concluded by advising the Ugandan farmers,since rainy season has started, they should take advantage of the rains to plant quick maturing crops because it’s a good and profitable business.
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