Uganda government subsidizes insurance for small-scale farmers
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The Ugandan government launched the Uganda Agriculture Insurance Scheme to protect small-scale farmers from losses caused by drought, floods, hailstorms, and crop diseases.
Minister of State for the Luweero Triangle Alice Kaboyo said the program aims to make insurance more affordable for farmers who often lose their investments during poor harvests. Under the initiative, the government pays 50% of the insurance premiums, while farmers pay the other half.
For farmers located in areas prone to drought, the government contribution increases to 80%. The scheme helps farmers maintain their investments and avoid abandoning agriculture after successive failed seasons. To implement the plan, more than 10 insurance companies, including Jubilee Insurance and Lion Insurance, will participate. Farmers who submit claims are expected to receive compensation within six weeks. In Luweero District, the Luweero Farmers and Housing Cooperative Limited organized more than 5,000 members to join the initiative.
Secretary Eddie Mugerwa said the scheme allows members to protect their household incomes from risks that frequently disrupt production. Kaboyo also told communities to plant trees and conserve the environment to prevent the degradation that leads to prolonged droughts.
