President Museveni pushes for modern farming in Sembabule

________________

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called on the people of Sembabule district to prioritise irrigation and modern farming techniques as a way to boost agricultural productivity and secure consistent incomes.

Speaking during a rally at Sembabule playground in Sembabule Town Council, President Museveni highlighted the critical need for farmers to prepare for dry seasons by planting pasture and adopting irrigation. 

He said this would ensure steady milk and food production throughout the year, securing Uganda’s supply of agricultural products such as milk and coffee for both local and international markets.

For those working with small plots of land, President Museveni recommended the Four-Acre Model, a strategy where coffee is planted on one acre, fruits on the second, pasture for animals on the third, and food crops for family use on the fourth.

He stressed that even smallholders could generate significant wealth through efficient land use, while farmers with larger holdings could engage in more extensive agriculture.

On his way to the rally, the President said he had observed encouraging signs that the message was already taking root, noting the coffee plantations and milk collection centres along the route.

However, he urged farmers to go a step further by embracing irrigation and planting pasture to cushion their livestock against the impact of droughts.

President Museveni also praised Mawogola North MP Shartsi Musherure Kutesa, for her efforts to promote wealth creation among her constituents.

He described her actions as exemplary leadership, contrasting them with leaders who merely engage in politicking or hand out small sums of money.

Musherure, speaking at the event, thanked President Museveni for his “visionary leadership”, which she said had transformed Sembabule through initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, the extension of piped water, and the expansion of electricity coverage.

She acknowledged there were still challenges but expressed confidence they would be addressed under the President’s stewardship.

Former foreign affairs minister, Sam Kutesa, also paid tribute to President Museveni, crediting him with delivering peace, stability, and the conditions necessary for Uganda’s prosperity.

He urged Sembabule residents to support President Museveni as the sole candidate in the forthcoming elections and called for peace and unity during and after the electoral process.

Kutesa cautioned against internal wrangling within the National Resistance Movement (NRM), warning that divisions only serve to weaken the party and offer opportunities to its adversaries.

Adding her voice, Mawogola West MP and health state minister Anifa Kawooya, thanked President Museveni for prioritising wealth creation and poverty eradication.

She pledged that local leaders would continue to promote government programmes like the PDM and Emyooga, encouraging communities to embrace economic empowerment.