Chinese delegation, Kadaga discuss Village Agricultural Model

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A Chinese delegation from China Agricultural University (CAU), led by Prof. Li Xiaoyun, has paid a courtesy call to the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, as part of the delegation’s four-day working visit to Uganda.

During the meeting at Kingdom Kampala, Kadaga expressed deep appreciation for the longstanding co-operation between China and Uganda, particularly the ongoing efforts under the Village Agricultural Model (VAM) program.

She commended the delegation for choosing Busoga as a model region for the initiative, noting that the region’s youth and rural farmers are greatly benefiting from the skills and exposure being offered.

“This relationship started even before the COVID-19 pandemic, and I’m glad to see it bearing tangible fruits today—we are especially grateful for your focus on empowering our youth and your contribution to the Parish Development Model (PDM) through the VAM initiative,” Kadaga remarked.

Kadaga further highlighted the region’s need for additional support in vocational training, pointing out that while Busoga already has some vocational hubs, they are not sufficient to meet the demand for skills development among the youth.

In response, Li reiterated China’s commitment to the transformation of Uganda’s agriculture and youth employment through practical training and mentorship.

He revealed that 10 young entrepreneurs from Busoga region had recently travelled to China for a mentorship programme, and more will be recruited in the coming months.

“We are committed to taking exemplary young people from every village to training hubs like Morogolo, where they will be equipped with hands-on skills in milk and soya production,” Prof. Li noted adding that they shall begin with the Director General of the Busoga Consortium, Dr Anthony Mula, as they prepare for wider youth recruitment.

Professor Li also outlined several ongoing projects under the VAM programme and Young Rural Entrepreneurs projects in Busoga, including chili and soybean farming, youth incubation programs, and demonstration farms.

These projects are designed not only to boost food security but also to create employment and promote value addition in agriculture.

The meeting reaffirmed the shared vision of promoting Busoga as a national model for inclusive rural transformation through agriculture, youth skilling, and international cooperation.