The Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC) was named First Runner-Up at the prestigious National Agriculture Policy Award during the 3rd Annual Agriculture Awards 2025. The ceremony, held on Friday, 25 July, at the Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala, celebrated excellence in agricultural policy.
Hon. Hajjat Minsa Kabanda, Minister for Kampala, officially participated in the event on behalf of the Prime Minister. The Uganda Sustainable Agricultural Support Organisation (USASO) received the top award, with the Advocacy Coalition for Sustainable Agriculture (ACSA) also shortlisted.
In her remarks, Hon. Minsa Kabanda lauded the contributions of institutions driving agricultural innovation and policy excellence. She reiterated that agriculture remains a cornerstone of Uganda’s economy and food security, recognizing the significance of institutions like EPRC in shaping national priorities through evidence-based approaches.
EPRC work has influenced policy formulation in the agriculture sector.
EPRC’s Far-Reaching Impact on Agricultural Policy
EPRC’s recognition highlights its significant contributions to agricultural policy and sectoral transformation in Uganda. For over three decades, the Centre has been at the forefront of generating evidence, providing policy advisory, offering technical support, and participating in sector working groups to support government policy formulation and reform.
Among its most notable achievements, EPRC recently led the reform of Uganda’s sugarcane sector. Between 2021 and 2024, the Centre carried out a comprehensive Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) for the sugarcane sub-sector at the government’s request. The RIA revealed serious governance gaps and pricing inequalities affecting out-growers, recommending the establishment of a multi-stakeholder Sugar Council and a revision of the Sugar Act 2020.
These findings directly informed the drafting of the Sugar (Amendment) Bill 2023, with EPRC’s technical advice forming the core of the proposed regulatory reforms. The Centre’s research underscored how the lack of a functioning regulatory board allowed millers to dominate farmers, resulting in pricing disputes and lower living standards. The Sugarcane (amendment) Act, 2023 was signed into law by President Museveni in May 2025.
Earlier, EPRC played a central role in initiating and guiding Uganda’s first-ever National Fertiliser Policy. Alarmed by critically low fertiliser use, EPRC collaborated with the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) and AGRA from 2010. Through extensive research and consultations, EPRC drafted the policy, regulations, and investment plan, which the Cabinet approved in 2016. This landmark framework has since guided efforts to increase fertilizer access, regulate quality standards, and encourage private sector investment, significantly boosting agricultural productivity and soil health.
EPRC has also been a leading voice in protecting Uganda’s farmers from harmful tax reforms. In 2013–2014, when the government proposed an 18% VAT on agricultural inputs and unprocessed produce, EPRC led national dialogue and presented evidence that such taxes would significantly increase production costs and reduce farm profitability, undermining food security. Through policy briefs and direct engagement with Parliament, EPRC’s advocacy helped influence the reversal of the most damaging aspects of the VAT proposal.
EPRC Manager, Strategic Engagement and Communication Ms. Elizabeth Birabwa, received the award on behalf of the Centre.
A Milestone in EPRC’s Mission
This First Runner-Up award reinforces EPRC’s commitment to evidence-informed policymaking for Uganda’s agricultural transformation. As a non-partisan think tank founded in 1993, EPRC’s mission is to inform public policy through high-quality research and advisory support that advances inclusive growth and sustainable development.
EPRC Executive Director, Dr. Sarah Ssewanyana, welcomed the award as a powerful validation of the Centre’s long-standing work in the agriculture sector. “This recognition reflects our dedication to using evidence to shape impactful policies. It affirms that our partnerships with government, civil society, and development partners are yielding tangible results for farmers and the country,” she noted.
Looking Ahead As Uganda navigates challenges like climate change, market integration, and technological transitions in agriculture, EPRC remains committed to offering rigorous research and actionable policy insights. The Centre continues to strengthen its support to the government through flagship publications like the Agricultural Finance Yearbook, strategic technical assistance, and participation in working groups on input markets, extension, taxation, and trade.
