Ibanda youth urged to embrace agriculture

Feb 19, 2019

The agricultural sector employs about 75% of Uganda’s population, while in Ibanda district the figure rises to 90%

Ibanda Municipality MP Tarsis Rwaburindore has urged the youth to embrace agriculture, saying it still has huge potential to improve their income and standards of living.

Rwaburindore said it was crucial for youth to start income-generating activities, especially agribusiness, to boost household earnings and support the country's development agenda.

"The more youth get to engage in commercial agriculture and value addition, the more the poverty will be greatly reduced amongst yourselves," he said. 

Rwaburindore was speaking during the launch of the Abany'Ibanda People's Progressive Youth SACCO at Palm Gardens in Ibanda town on Monday.

The SACCO is the brainchild of Ibanda Youth Initiative for Sustainable Development a community-based organisation in Ibanda district. 

Rwaburindore also called for a mindset change, where graduates chase after white collar jobs in the government and the private sector.

"I have invested a lot of money in farming and I also support farmers' groups to show Ugandans that there is money in agriculture. With agriculture, you remain relevant all the time," said Rwaburindore. 

The agricultural sector employs about 75% of Uganda's population, while in Ibanda district the figure rises to 90%.

He further castigated the growing culture among the youth of getting "easy money" saying young people do not want to work and think they will get quick money through sports betting.

"Instead of engaging in productive activities, the youth spend a lot of time and money in betting that only enriches the owners, leaving them poor and desperate," Rwaburindore added.

He pledged sh1m to the SACCO while the minister for Karamoja affairs, Eng. John Byabagambi, who also represents Ibanda South constituency, donated sh1m. 

Earlier, while speaking at the event, Ibanda Municipal Council town clerk, Deo Ndiimo, called on the youth to embrace a saving culture to support national and household development. 

The SACCO's board chairperson, Godwin Mpairwe, said the SACCO seeks to promote a culture of saving among the youth in the district.

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