Urban agriculture in Uganda is regulated by municipal and city councils under the Local Governments (Kampala City Council) Urban Agriculture Ordinance, 2006. This regulation ensures that farming within city boundaries is environmentally safe, sustainable, and properly licensed.
Every person or company wishing to engage in urban or commercial agriculture—including poultry, aquaculture, horticulture, or livestock rearing—must first obtain a permit or licence from the respective Municipal Council, Division, or City Authority.
Step-by-Step Procedure
Step 1: Obtain and Fill the Application Form
Visit the Municipal Council, Town Council, or City Division Office near your area to collect an Urban Agriculture Licence Application Form.
You must specify your name, address, type of agricultural activity, and the location where the project will operate.
Ensure that your proposed activity is among those approved and listed by the Council. Activities not listed will not qualify for licensing.
Step 2: Attach the Required Documents
Prepare and attach all the necessary documents (listed below) to your completed form. These documents prove ownership, land use rights, and compliance with agricultural and environmental standards.
Step 3: Pay the Prescribed Fees
Proceed to pay the nominal licence fee determined by your local council.
The fee amount varies based on the size and nature of the enterprise.
After payment, attach the payment receipt to your application.
Step 4: Submit the Application
Submit your fully completed application form and attachments to the Council’s Agriculture or Production Office.
Once received, the Council will acknowledge your application and schedule an inspection of your premises.
Step 5: Premises Inspection
Within 30 days, a Production Officer will visit your farm site to assess compliance with hygiene, environmental, and safety standards.
The officer’s report will be presented to the Council for approval.
If approved, you will be notified to collect your Urban Agriculture Licence or Permit from the Town Clerk’s Office within two working days.
Step 6: Collection of the Licence
Once approved, collect your Urban Agriculture Licence or Permit.
The licence includes:
- Your name and address
- Type of agricultural activity
- Registered location of the farm
- Licence expiry date
The Council will also enter your name into the Register of Licensed Urban Agricultural Enterprises.
Required Documents
Applicants must provide:
- Clearance letter from the Municipal or City Authority
- Original land title or registration certificate (in applicant’s name)
- Certificate of incorporation for companies
- Clearance from Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF)
- Original municipal receipt for the previous year
- Trading licence for existing agricultural businesses
- A report detailing the nature of the agricultural activity
Eligibility
All persons or organizations intending to engage in urban or commercial agriculture are eligible, provided they meet the requirements of:
- The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF)
- The relevant City, Division, or Municipal Council
Fees
Fees are determined by the Municipal or City Council and depend on:
- The type of agricultural enterprise
- The scale of operation (subsistence or commercial)
- The location of the activity
(Example: small-scale vegetable farming may cost less than commercial poultry rearing.)
Validity
An Urban Agriculture Licence is valid for one year from the date of issue and must be renewed annually.
Processing Time
The maximum processing time is 30 days from the date of submission, provided all documents are complete and the inspection report is satisfactory.
Office Contact Information
Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF)
Department of Animal Health – Head Office
Plot 16–18 Lugard Avenue, Entebbe, Uganda
P.O. Box 102, Entebbe
Tel: +256 414 320004
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.agriculture.go.ug
Important Instructions
- Making false statements or submitting forged documents during the application process is a punishable offence.
- Urban farming is prohibited in:
- Wetlands or road reserves
- Greenbelts, parks, and toxic areas
- Areas less than 10 feet from open drainage channels
- Councils may close or suspend any urban agricultural activity deemed harmful to public health or the environment.
Required Information
- Applicant’s full name and address
- Type of agricultural activity (e.g., poultry, horticulture, aquaculture)
- Farm location and land details
- Company or individual registration details
- Land ownership proof or lease documentation
Need for the Document
An Urban Agriculture Licence ensures that all city-based agricultural activities comply with local environmental, health, and land-use regulations.
It helps the government monitor urban farming, prevent pollution, and promote sustainable food production in urban centers.
Additional Information
The Council reserves the right to deny or revoke licences if the activity poses risks to:
- Public health
- Drainage systems
- Protected natural areas
