Baba and Kulika chiefs Peters Musoke and Elijah Kyomuhendo at the new office

By Joyce Namutebi

THE plight of Uganda's eight million people who live on less than sh2,000 a day poses a very big problem to the Government, the Vice-President stated in a speech.

“This is a challenge to the Government, Non-Governmental Organisations and individuals. We must eliminate poverty. Together we must ensure that every household gets a source of daily income,” Prof. Gilbert Bukenya said in a speech read by state minister James Baba at the 25th anniversary of Kulika, an NGO, and the official opening of its Uganda Centre at Lutisi, Namayumba sub-
county in Wakiso district.

“We still have to redeem eight million Ugandans who live in abject
poverty.”

Bukenya, who in the past weeks toured the country promoting the Prosperity for All Programme, was concerned that there are people who still sleep on bare floor in grass-thatched houses with no
toilets.

Bukenya commended Kulika for being visionary and tackling
poverty at the household level.

Founded by Patricia Brankemia, now living in London, the organisation has so far awarded scholarships to 1,500 university students in Uganda and the UK. It has also trained 2,000 farmers nationwide in sustainable organic
agriculture.

The Vice-President singled out Josephine Kizza of Busesa, a Kulika beneficiary and a farmer in Masaka, as one of the best performers. She earns sh50m monthly from her farm. He urged his constituents to fully utilise the Kulika Uganda centre.

Baba unveiled the foundation stone and planted an avocado tree. Various types of trees had been planted at the centre prior to the opening in recognition of the organisation’s commitment to the protection of the environment.

Makerere University Librarian Maria Musoke, who spoke on behalf of the Kulika beneficiaries, commended the founder for touching so many people’s lives in Uganda.