Museveni pledges support to Tooro’s agricultural, youth empowerment initiatives

President Yoweri Museveni has pledged full support to Tooro Kingdom’s ambitious agricultural and youth empowerment programmes, describing them as a timely intervention to transform livelihoods at the grassroots level.

The President made the commitment on Monday, 15 September, while meeting Omukama (King) Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV and his delegation at State House, Entebbe.

The Tooro Royal Family was represented by Queen Mother Best Kemigisa and Princess Ruth Nsemere Komuntale Akiiki. Others in attendance included the Tooro Kingdom Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Calvin Armstrong Rwomiire, and senior government officials, including the Minister of State for Youth and Children, Hon. Balaam Barugahara. Princess Komuntale was accompanied by her husband Philip Farquharson, and their son, Prince Jamari Mathew Farquharson Adyeeri.

A release from the Presidential Press Unit (PPU) states that Prime Minister Rwomiire outlined a robust plan targeting Tooro’s nine counties with agriculture and youth-centred programmes. The initiative includes establishing coffee and cocoa nursery beds, demonstration gardens, and hatcheries in all nine counties.

“The initiative brings services close to the people, gives them income, and generates economic activities and employment,” Mr Rwomiire said, noting that the Kingdom had drawn a budget of Shs 4.6 billion to kick-start the programmes. He revealed that Queen Mother Best Kemigisa will serve as the brand ambassador of the initiative to enhance visibility and mobilisation. The Prime Minister also acknowledged the support President Museveni has given to the Omukama and the Kingdom over the years.

In response, President Museveni strongly welcomed the proposal, particularly the coffee project, which he described as a “good intervention” aligned with government efforts to commercialise agriculture under the Parish Development Model (PDM).

“There’s no reason why the Kingdom cannot do the same. Also do it. Government institutions have the seeds. The Kingdom can get them, multiply them, and distribute them for free to farmers,” Museveni said. He lamented that private suppliers currently sell a single coffee seedling at Shs 3,000, which is unaffordable for most farmers.

During interaction with the Tooro team, the President emphasised the Parish Development Model (PDM) as the backbone of wealth creation, explaining that farmers organised under Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (SACCOs) would directly benefit from the seedlings distributed through the Kingdom. “This is a good intervention, provided you concentrate on the parish,” he remarked.

President Museveni reaffirmed his Government’s commitment to the Shs 100 million per parish allocation under the PDM, adding that an extra Shs 15 million would be available for local leaders who often fall outside direct parish benefits.

“The Shs 100 million is for the poor people. But leaders who are not part of the groups also need support. So, we are adding Shs 15 million for them,” he explained.

Zero Tolerance for Corruption

Responding to concerns over mismanagement of PDM funds, President Museveni issued a stern warning against theft, promising tough action against culprits.

“Those stealing PDM money will vomit (refund) it. We shall lock them up until they return it. If there is monitoring and facts are established, we shall arrest them,” Museveni declared. He reported that despite corruption risks, the PDM remained a vital instrument for poverty eradication and would not be abandoned.

Minister Barugahara briefed the President on issues raised during a Baraza in Fort Portal held ahead of the Empango celebrations. He reported irregularities in fund disbursement, including instances where money was given to non-residents of a parish.

“In one parish, money was given to 50 people who didn't belong there. We need to fix these gaps and ensure transparency," Barugahara said. He assured the President that his ministry would step up efforts to enforce accountability through open dispute resolution and closer supervision.

The Tooro Prime Minister also introduced a Youth Economic Empowerment Programme, designed to be cost-effective and impact-driven. He said the initiative seeks to restore the Kingdom’s relevance to its subjects by working hand-in-hand with the government.

“It is not just about the Kingdom but also about Government delivery. We shall sensitise communities through radio, field visits, and kingdom structures. This is our mobilisation strategy to ensure high impact and visibility,” Mr Rwomiire said.

The meeting also featured presentations from international partners working with the Tooro Kingdom on development projects.

Nicolas Geoffrey, a Ugandan-born resident of the United Kingdom and special envoy of the Tooro Royal Family, revealed plans to build a university complex in Tooro specialising in agribusiness, pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and tourism.

“We have identified land in the Kingdom and secured interest from investors. We have even engaged Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, through his envoy Claudia Pinto. However, our partners want a letter of support or directive from you to guarantee Uganda’s commitment,” Geoffrey told the President.

Dr Niel Holder, Tooro’s special envoy from Barbados and a UN Global Peace Ambassador, emphasised opportunities for trade and cultural exchange between Uganda and the Caribbean.

“The Caribbean has many people who have never visited Africa. They go to Europe and the USA, spending lots of money in countries that don’t value them. With Uganda Airlines now operating flights to Britain, we can connect Britain to Barbados and open up new avenues for tourism, food trade, and cultural diplomacy,” Dr Holder said.

He pledged to work closely with King Oyo and President Museveni to develop bilateral relations that would unlock trade opportunities for Ugandan farmers and position Tooro as a hub of international partnerships.

King Oyo’s delegation reaffirmed the Kingdom’s historic partnership with the central government, pledging to align its programmes with national priorities.

“The Kingdom has been consistent in supporting your leadership and programs. With this initiative, we want to demonstrate that we are partners in delivering transformation to our people,” Prime Minister Rwomiire said.

President Museveni praised the Kingdom’s proactive approach, particularly in anchoring its plans at the parish level, which he said would ensure inclusivity and sustainability.