By Diana Kintu
The Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development has rolled out a new digital platform designed to support farmers, local businesses, and government planners across Uganda.
The Area-Based Commodity Development (ABCD) Portal was officially launched on September 4, 2025, by the Minister of Local Government, Hon. Raphael Magyezi. The tool is intended to provide detailed information on agricultural products and their value chains at the sub-regional level, giving farmers and leaders data to guide production, pricing, and investment decisions.
Speaking at the launch, Magyezi said the portal aligns with the government’s strategy under the National Development Plan IV (NDP IV) to strengthen area-based development. “The platform will provide timely, locally relevant data to leaders at all levels, improving planning, budgeting, and service delivery based on evidence rather than estimates,” he noted.
He cited practical uses, such as enabling local governments in the Cattle Corridor to track the beef value chain, farmers in Lango to monitor oilseeds and sesame production, and producers in the Elgon region to access data on Arabica coffee and high-value horticulture. In Kigezi, stakeholders will benefit from information on Irish potatoes and passion fruits.
Representing Treasury Permanent Secretary Ramathan Ggoobi, the Director of Economic Affairs, Mr. Moses Kaggwa, said the portal will also benefit producer organisations by providing up-to-date prices and production trends. “Farmers will be better positioned to negotiate and plan their activities effectively,” he explained.
Officials further highlighted the tool’s potential to attract investors by identifying profitable opportunities across regions, while policymakers can use the data to improve budget efficiency and ensure public resources are directed where they are most needed.
The ABCD Portal forms part of Uganda’s broader drive to accelerate agro-industrialization and regional development through innovation and value chain strengthening. Backed by institutions including the Makerere University Innovation and Incubation Centre, the Uganda Bureau of Statistics, and commodity associations such as the Uganda Coffee Development Authority and Uganda Tea Association, the system is designed to be user-friendly and affordable.
Government officials say the portal marks a major step in empowering local communities, improving farm productivity, and driving grassroots economic growth.