'Three million model farmers needed to transform Uganda'
“To realise total economic transformation, the country needs model farmers of this kind up to a tune of three million," said Ogwang.
Martin Kananura (in a hat) explaining to sports state minister Peter Ogwang and Former Mbarara city Member of Parliament Michael Tusiime while visiting his farm over the weekend. (Photos by Adolf Ayoreka)
NewVision Reporter
@NewVision
In a bid to achieve total economic transformation, sports state minister Peter Ogwang, says the country needs about three million model farmers that can help to mentor others into the money economy.
Ogwang, made the remarks while visiting the overall winner for Vision Group’s 2023 Best Farmer competition, Martin Kananura, at his farm in Rwenjeru (Rwenjeru agro-tourism demonstration and training farm) in Biharwe, Mbarara city north on Saturday, November 2, 2024.
“This is one the best model farms I have seen and this is in line with President Museveni’s message of social-economic transformation. What the old man is doing on his farm is what we all want to learn as leaders so that we can help our communities replicate this farming knowledge on to their farms,” said Ogwang.
He added: “To realise total economic transformation, the country needs model farmers of this kind up to a tune of three million. That’s why Museveni needs to come and see what he normally preaches to us”.
Challenges abound
Kanura said a few challenges have hindered his efforts to expand including the lack of hydropower, water supply and poor roads to his farm.
Sports state minister Peter Ogwang (2nd left) with Kananura (left) during a farm visit over the weekend.
“I would love to add value to my milk by making and packing yoghurt but I don’t have electricity on my farm to run the machines since I depend on solar. I, therefore, call upon the Government to at least extend the power line to my farm,” he said.
Ogwang, noted that he will make sure through the line ministry of agriculture, Kanura gets a tractor to help in mechanized agriculture, get power and water that’s why I have pledged to bring Museveni to this farm.
Former Mbarara city Member of Parliament Michael Tusiime, who came with Ogwang to the farm, said the demonstration and training farm is helping learners from schools to acquire practical skills in modern agriculture.
“We are glad that the farm is affiliated with the education ministry to train students. Therefore, as Mbarara city, we are grateful for the economic transformation he is bringing to our area. The country needs such model farmers to be able to achieve social-economic transformation," he said.