Farmers body awards Museveni for promoting agriculture

 

 

President Yoweri Museveni has received a trophy from the National Farmers’ Federation of Uganda.

The trophy is in recognition of his contribution to promoting commercial agriculture in the country.

 

The trophy was delivered to the President on Monday by the Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga, at the ongoing Zonal Conference on Poverty Eradication and Enterprise Selection at State House Entebbe.

 

The farmers federation recognised Ugandans, (including Museveni), who have contributed to the boosting of agriculture in the country.

 

The President thanked the federation for recognising his efforts but insisted on guiding wanainchi to improve their household income.

 

During the conference, leaders from Busoga subregion assured the President that they would work to help transform communities from the current peasantry to modernity status. 

 

Busoga sub-region comprises Bugiri, Buyende, Iganga, Jinja, Kaliro, Kamuli, Luuka, Mayuge, Namayingo and Namutumba districts.

 

The participants, who included ministers, MPs, leaders from Busoga and technocrats from the agriculture ministry, unanimously agreed to encourage communities to embrace commercial farming.

 

According to a press release from State House, the President explained that the conference was designed to address problems emanating from subsistence agriculture in Uganda.

 

The 2002 National Housing and Population Census showed that 68% of Ugandans were still engaged in subsistence farming. “This is unacceptable in the 21st century. The problem is compounded by NGOs that preach food security. You have the food, your stomach is full, but there are many human needs that require money. What next?” he asked.

 

The President called on leaders at all levels to solve the problems of the people as they agitate for him to leave office.

 

“Museveni  agende. OK, I can go to my farm, but what about the problems of the people? First solve the problems of your people as you demand for Museveni to go home,” he said.

 

Regarding the issue of land fragmentation, the President urged the Busoga delegation to explain to the people the dangers of the practice.

 

“Don’t fragment land anymore. Through sensitisation, we can stop the practice so that we guarantee the future of our people,” he observed. Museveni further explained that education and industrialization would go a long way in decongesting villages through urbanisation.

 

On high population growth, he attributed over-population to under-development in the economy.

 

“Over population is caused by underdevelopment in the economy. Let’s go for commercialization of agriculture and you will see the impact,” he advised.

 

On rural electrification, the President said the mistake of delaying the construction of Bujagali hydro-power dam caused a lot of suffering to the people of Uganda as well as the Government because over sh1.5 trillion was spent in subsidising electricity.

 

He noted that some elements wanted a repeat of the same strategic mistake by trying to delay oil production.

 

“No way! This will not happen. Whoever tries to do it, will face stiff resistance and confrontation. We need the oil money to build the country,” he stressed.