By Diana Kintu.
The Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development has launched a new digital tool to support farmers, local businesses, and government planners across Uganda. The Area-Based Commodity Development (ABCD) Portal was officially unveiled by the Minister of Local Government, Hon. Raphael Magyezi, on September 4, 2025.
The ABCD Portal is designed to collect and organise detailed information on agricultural products and their value chains at the sub-regional level. Farmers, traders, and local leaders will now have access to reliable data that can inform decisions on production, pricing, and investment.
Speaking at the launch, Minister Magyezi emphasised that the portal aligns with the government’s broader strategy under the National Development Plan IV (NDP IV) to promote area-based development. The platform provides timely and locally relevant data to leaders at the parish, sub-county, municipal, and district levels, enabling more accurate planning, budgeting, and service delivery based on evidence rather than estimates.
The Minister gave practical examples of the portal’s use. Local governments in the Cattle Corridor can track beef value chain information, while those in Lango can monitor oilseed and sesame production trends. Farmers in the Elgon region can access data on Arabica coffee and high-value horticulture, while Kigezi farmers can learn more about Irish potato and passion fruit production.
The Permanent Secretary to the Treasury, Ms. Ramathan Ggoobi, represented by Mr. Moses Kaggwa, Director of Economic Affairs, highlighted the portal’s benefits for producer organisations. Farmers can check current prices and production trends in their sub-regions, helping them negotiate better and plan more effectively.
The portal is also expected to attract investors by making it easier to identify profitable opportunities across the country. Policymakers will use the data to improve budget efficiency and ensure public funds are directed where they are most needed.
Part of a wider effort to accelerate Uganda’s agro-industrialization and regional development, the ABCD Portal promotes innovation and value chain development. It is user-friendly and provides affordable, fast access to critical statistics for all stakeholders.
The initiative is supported by institutions such as the Makerere University Innovation and Incubation Centre, the Uganda Bureau of Statistics, and commodity associations including the Uganda Coffee Development Authority and the Uganda Tea Association.
The introduction of the ABCD Portal marks a significant step toward empowering local communities with information, improving farm productivity, and promoting economic growth from the grassroots.