Madam. Chairperson,
The IFAD President,
Distinguishing Governors and Delegates,
Ladies and Gentlemen.

On behalf of the Uganda delegation, I take this opportunity to express appreciation and thank H.E. Nwanze Kanayo the IFAD President for inviting me, and salute IFAD for the excellent arrangements for this Governing Council session. 

As we deliberate in this august gathering, Madam Chairperson, it is important to be pragmatic and contextual. To illustrate the point, allow me to mention just two fresh incidences on the African continent. During last year’s summer period alone, we held two emergency policy consultations under the FAO arrangement to dialogue on the looming famine in the Greater Horn of Africa. Before getting a concrete solution, everybody’s attention has now shifted to the Sahel Region which has been hit by drought. Reality still stands that both regions pose a big problem that requires long term solutions. It is not out of proportion at this point to emphasize the global need to invest heavily in the social and economic transformation of the rural smallholder farmers, to give hope for better livelihood and sustainable development, to the resource poor peasant populations of the world.

Madam  Chairperson, the excellent cooperation between Uganda and IFAD has existed for three decades, since 1981 when it was established. There are currently four ongoing IFAD projects under implementation in the country, of which the Vegetable Oil Development Project continues to be inspirational. It supports development and production of palm oil in Bugala Islands of Lake Victoria and integrates production with processing and marketing through fostering close partnership between farmers, the private sector and the public sector. The project’s social and economic benefits on the Islands are already visible, and expected to stimulate unprecedented multiplier effects for many years to come. IFAD has already provided more funding to support phase II of the Project, which will ensure progressive employment for many more Ugandans when the project expands and production advances.

This is an example of a successful rural focused, growth oriented, agricultural based investment programme, inclusive of small holder out growers with ingredients of economic and environmental sustainability, with pathways to eradication of poverty and sustainable development.

Madam. Chairperson,  Uganda salutes all Member States that participated in the Fund’s 9th replenishment Round. We are glad to have been part of the negotiations and here pledge Uganda’s total support to the negotiation outcomes. We intend to consider our contribution in the 2012/2013 financial year budget and announce the pledge after the ongoing budgetary process.

I thank you for your kind attention.

22 February 2012