President Museveni touts growth in agricultural sector

AGRICULTURE|MUSEVENI|RELIGION

KIRUHURA - President Yoweri Museveni has said since the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government came to power, there has been a ray of hope in the agriculture sector that has seen a surplus in production.

Museveni said Ugandans have been awakened and most of the agricultural produce such matooke, coffee, maize and even manufactured products, including cement, are being produced in big quantities, with a surplus in some cases.

The President made the remarks on Sunday while addressing a small congregation from North Ankole Diocese in Kiruhura district.

During the event, the President performed the breaking of the ground ceremony for a proposed community hospital estimated to cost sh7b. The hospital will be located at the diocese headquarters.

The first phase will comprise the outpatient wing and administration block, which will cost sh1.6b.

Museveni also toured other projects, including Rushere Primary School and Rushere Bishops Girls' School, a complex that includes a guesthouse with a conference hall and spacious outdoor area for parties.

He also visited the dairy farm and other income-generating activities of the diocese.

Museveni said the development in the agricultural sector has been boosted by the NRM policy of mass mobilisation and patriotism. On the issue of politics, President Museveni urged Ugandans to avoid internal political fights, bribery, forgery and flouting election processes.

He asked them to embrace pan-Africanism, economic growth and promote an integrated market to exploit available natural resources.

Museveni said holding a free and fair election has been important because it fosters sanity in society, adding that good leadership is symbolised by giving people-focused guidance.

The President contributed sh50m towards the development of the North Ankole Diocese Platinum SACCOS and sh100m to Rushere Primary School.

The President also contributed a tipper truck and sh100m towards the hospital project.

Museveni advised people that it would be wise to excavate sizeable valley dams to address the problem of water scarcity for sustainable crop irrigation and for animal use.

Museveni thanked Bishop Steven Namanya for leading by example and following the teachings of Jesus and also emulating the NRM objectives of prioritising economic empowerment.

Bishop Namanya said among other development projects in the diocese, the schools and the hospital are crucial because of the increasing population.

"The proposed bigger health facility will enable us meet the demands of our increasing population and also support the existing eight health centres,'' he said.

The Bishop thanked the First Lady and education minister, Mrs Janet Museveni, for supporting the diocese in its efforts to refurbish the church-based primary school to meet the required standards.