Amach agribusiness owners decry low produce prices and harsh weather conditions

26 June 2026, 10:07 am

By Agness Agilo

Agribusiness owners in Amach Town Council, Lira District, have raised concerns over declining farm-gate prices and unfavourable weather conditions, saying the challenges are negatively affecting their incomes and threatening the sustainability of their enterprises.

The concerns were raised during a community baraza dialogue on strengthening the sustainability of family businesses in rural Uganda, organised by the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC) at Amach Town Council Hall.

Ms Lydia Akello, an agribusiness operator dealing in farm produce, said farmers are forced to purchase seeds and other agricultural inputs at high prices but often receive very low returns when they sell their produce, resulting in significant losses.

Mr Arnold Otik, another agribusiness owner, echoed similar concerns, noting that persistent low prices of agricultural commodities have made farming increasingly unprofitable. He called on government to intervene and regulate produce prices to safeguard farmers’ livelihoods.

Meanwhile, Mr Denis Ojok Ituma attributed poor harvests to prolonged dry spells and changing weather patterns, which have severely affected crop production. He appealed to government and development partners to support farmers with irrigation systems to reduce dependence on rainfall.

Responding to the concerns, Ms Winnifred Acan, representing the Lira District Commercial Office, advised farmers to organise themselves into groups and cooperatives to enable collective marketing of their produce.

Ms Acan explained that selling produce in bulk can strengthen farmers’ bargaining power, attract better prices and reduce exploitation by middlemen. She emphasised that government encourages farmers to form cooperatives as a strategy for improving market access and increasing incomes.

Ms Pauline Nakitende, a Research Analyst at the Economic Policy Research Centre, highlighted the critical role family businesses play in Uganda’s economy, noting that they contribute nearly 70 per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

She encouraged business owners to involve family members in the management and operation of their enterprises to ensure continuity in the event of the owner’s death or retirement.

Ms Nakitende identified several challenges affecting the growth and sustainability of family businesses, including lack of interest among younger generations, cultural biases that favour sons over daughters, founder dominance, and complexities arising from polygamous family structures.

Speaking at the same event, Ms Elizabeth Birabwa Aliro, Manager for Strategic Engagement and Communications at the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC), said the dialogue was informed by earlier research conducted in Amach Town Council with support from the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development.

She explained that the research sought to understand why many businesses struggle to survive beyond the founder and why some fail to grow into larger enterprises.

Ms Birabwa urged entrepreneurs to actively involve spouses, children and other family members in their businesses to ensure smooth succession and long-term sustainability.

The Town Clerk of Amach Town Council, Ms Sylvia Akot, commended the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC) for selecting Amach as one of the areas for the awareness campaign. She described the engagement as timely and beneficial, urging participants to apply the knowledge gained to strengthen their businesses and improve household incomes.

The dialogue underscored the need for stronger support systems for rural entrepreneurs, including improved market access, climate-resilient farming practices and better succession planning. Stakeholders believe that empowering family businesses and strengthening farmer cooperatives could play a significant role in enhancing household incomes and driving sustainable economic growth in rural communities.