LBS NewsDay | A Unipol Media Services Susidiary

By Ouni Jaspher Dokolo April 17 The recent floods in Dokolo district have left thousands of residents in a state of emergency.  Over 152,000 people have been displaced and vast…

Dr Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero radiates confidence, elegance, and a commanding presence in her matte-black corporate suit. At 55 years old, she exudes an energy and poise that is both captivating and inspiring. Her spectacles accentuate the aura of intellectual prowess that she has honed over decades of service. Her bright red brooch with matching Afro-designed earrings adds a touch of vibrancy to her overall appearance, making her a true force to be reckoned with. Dr Aceng is a paediatrician, researcher, medical administrator, and politician. In this profile, we delve into her life and career, sharing her triumphs, challenges, and lessons learned.

According to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics, the annual inflation rate for the year ending February 2021 was 2.3%, which increased to 3.2% in February 2022 and 9.2% in February 2023. As a result, the prices of essential food staples remain persistently elevated. Uganda produces more food than it consumes, yet access to nutritious food in the country is limited. Therefore, Food security remains a pressing concern in Uganda, intensified by factors such as population growth, climate variability, and market volatility. The Agri-Tech hackathon contributes to addressing these challenges by optimizing supply chains, improving storage facilities, and promoting crop diversification. Real-life examples, such as initiatives enhancing access to climate-smart agricultural inputs or improving market linkages for smallholder farmers, demonstrate the tangible benefits of technology in ensuring food security.

To appreciate the significance of the Agri-Tech hackathon that was held a couple of days ago at the Uganda Institute of Information and Communications Technology, it’s imperative to grasp the details of Uganda’s agricultural landscape. While the sector boasts abundant resources and potential, it grapples with systemic issues such as limited market access, low productivity, post-harvest losses, and inadequate technological integration. These challenges underscore the urgent need for innovative solutions to propel the sector forward. It should be noted that the success of Agri-Tech hackathons hinges on collaborative partnerships between the Government of Uganda, private sector entities, academia, and civil society organizations. Government plays a crucial role in creating an enabling environment through supportive policies and investment in agricultural research and development. Private sector engagement brings expertise, resources, and market linkages, while academic and research institutions contribute technical knowledge and innovation. Emphasizing the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration and highlighting successful partnerships can underscore the collective effort required to drive agricultural transformation.