By Elijah Tumusiime
Agriculture remains a cornerstone of Uganda’s economy, contributing more than 25% of the country’s GDP. However, for decades, much of the sector has relied on outdated practices that limit productivity and restrict access to lucrative markets. As internet connectivity expands, a transformation is underway in how farmers produce, manage, and sell their goods.
In many rural communities, the internet is becoming as essential to farming as rainfall and fertile soil. With access to mobile phones and online platforms, farmers can now receive real-time weather forecasts, pest alerts, and crop management advice. This information enables them to make informed decisions on planting, irrigation, and harvesting, ultimately reducing losses and improving yields.
Connectivity is also reshaping access to markets. Traditionally, farmers depended heavily on middlemen for price updates and market linkages, often weakening their bargaining power. Today, internet-enabled platforms allow farmers to track prices in major markets, connect directly with buyers, and explore export opportunities. According to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics’ 2024 population census report, improved market access in a sector that contributes a quarter of GDP can have a significant impact on household incomes.
Digital connectivity is further revolutionising agricultural finance. Mobile money and online payment systems now enable faster and more secure transactions between farmers, cooperatives, and buyers. Instead of travelling long distances to make or receive payments, farmers can transact instantly via their phones. This convenience is helping smallholder farmers integrate into formal markets while improving efficiency across the agricultural value chain.
The internet is also opening up agriculture to a new generation of entrepreneurs. Increasingly, young Ugandans are leveraging digital platforms to access extension services, watch training content, learn modern farming techniques, and launch agritech ventures. As internet penetration continues to grow, so does the potential for a more innovative and technology-driven agricultural sector.
Reliable connectivity providers, such as Roke Telkom, play a critical role in this transformation. By expanding high-speed internet infrastructure to rural communities, businesses, and institutions, they are helping bridge the digital divide. Enhanced connectivity allows agribusinesses, cooperatives, and agro-processors to manage logistics, monitor storage, coordinate supply chains, and deliver real-time information to farmers.
Ultimately, Uganda’s agricultural future will depend not only on fertile land and hardworking farmers, but also on the strength of its digital infrastructure. Expanding reliable internet access in rural areas will unlock new opportunities for productivity, resilience, and inclusive economic growth. Through collaboration between government, telecom companies, development partners, and the private sector, Uganda can build a digitally connected agricultural ecosystem where farmers have the tools, information, and market access needed to thrive in a modern economy.
Connectivity is already sowing the seeds of change. With sustained investment in digital skills and infrastructure, Uganda’s farmers will be better positioned to feed the nation and compete in global markets.
The writer is the Chief Commercial Officer at Roke Telkom.