Kampala, Uganda: The Director General of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations, Dr. Qu Dongyu, has described President Yoweri Museveni’s Parish Development Model (PDM) as a scalable blueprint for Africa’s agricultural and rural transformation.
Dr. Dongyu, who is in Uganda on official visit, made the remarks on Tuesday during a high-level meeting with Local Government Minister Raphael Magyezi, State Minister for Animal Husbandry Lt. Col. Bright Rwamirama, and senior technical officials in Kampala.
“Uganda has laid the foundation, now scale it up to empower every farmer, youth, and rural household,” Dr. Dongyu said. “Political cohesion and community harmony are just as important as technical innovation.”
Launched in 2022 by President Museveni, the PDM is Uganda’s flagship wealth creation strategy. It shifts the focus of service delivery and economic planning to the parish level, targeting over 3.5 million households to move from subsistence to the money economy.
Dr. Dongyu said the model fits squarely within FAO’s vision of building resilient food systems anchored on people-centred development and environmental sustainability.
“Young people need opportunities and leaders who work together and lead by example. Uganda has shown that even with modest resources, unity can deliver impact,” he added.
He further urged Uganda to export its development ideology to the world: “Tell your President and your people: this model works. In the UN, every country has one vote. It’s time the world listens to Uganda not just for your food systems but for your spirit of unity.”
FAO, which has partnered with Uganda since 1951, reaffirmed its support to PDM and other government priorities even amidst global budget constraints, with Dr. Dongyu revealing that the agency is undergoing internal reforms to enhance transparency and deepen its collaboration with member states.
“FAO does not have secrets. We are a professional organisation committed to openness and results,” he said.
Minister Magyezi, who represented Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja at the meeting, welcomed the global endorsement, describing it as “a strong affirmation of Uganda’s people-focused development path.”
“This visit affirms our partnership and Uganda’s relevance in the global agricultural space,” Magyezi said. “We welcome the Director-General’s call to scale our cultural strengths for greater food security.”
Minister Rwamirama said Uganda is eager to deepen cooperation with FAO in agricultural modernisation, digital innovation, and climate-resilient food production. He added that Uganda’s organic and homegrown systems offer a global model for food sovereignty.
Dr. Dongyu’s visit comes at a time when Uganda is mobilising global support for the PDM during President Museveni’s nationwide sensitisation tour.
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