The Provincial Secretary of the Church of Uganda, Rev. Canon William Ongeng, has commended government efforts in collaborating with the Church to transform communities through agriculture and animal husbandry.
Canon Ongeng made the remarks today in Gomba District while meeting beneficiaries of Church of Uganda’s agriculture program for socio-economic transformation which is being implemented in partnership with the Government of Uganda through NAADS in Central Buganda Diocese.
“Beneficiaries are doing an excellent job, and we can see that the heifers and pigs are healthy and well taken care of. This project is a testament to the impact that collaboration between the government and the Church can have on communities which is highly commendable.”
Canon Ongeng who was accompanied by the Provincial Treasurer, Mr. Balaam Muheebwa; Director of Household Community Transformation, Rev. Andrew Agaba; the Acting Provincial Accountant, Mr. Moses Mbogo; the Programs officer for Livelihoods, Ms. Josephine Ninsiima and the Communications Officer, Mr. Sadiiki Adams, expressed his satisfaction with the progress of the project.
The Provincial Treasurer, Mr. Balaam Muheebwa, emphasized the importance of sustainability and self-reliance, saying, “It is crucial for the Church to support projects like this that promote self-sustainability and the ability to generate income. By empowering communities through agriculture, we can help them become self-reliant and create a better future for themselves.”
During the visit, the team met with beneficiaries, including retired Judicial Officer Galiwango Mukuye of Kitwe Cell Kanonoi Town Council, Mr. Sebabi William of Kanoni Town Council, Rev. Mukaluya Henry Seguja and Clergy beneficiaries who gathered at Mbaale Mpigi Archdeaconry.
Mr. Wilberforce received pigs, while Mr. William received a heifer, and Rev. Seguja received a heifer as well. The heifers have since given birth to calves, and the beneficiaries are receiving milk and manure from cow dung for their plantations.
This agricultural project is funded by the government of Uganda through the National Agriculture Advisory Services, NAADS. Central Buganda Diocese received 40 heifers, 200 piglets, and UGX 70M to buy a ginger processing machine.
The Bishop of Central Buganda Diocese, Rt Rev Michael Lubowa who was represented by the Diocesan Secretary, Rev Canon David Bamulanzeki commended the government for supporting the diocese’s self-sustainability agenda and supporting clergy welfare through modern agriculture.
Rev. Andrew Agaba, Director of Household Community Transformation, spoke about the impact of the project on the beneficiaries, stating, “The beneficiaries are very happy with the heifers and pigs they have received. They are now able to generate income and support their families, and they are also using the manure for their plantations, which has improved their crop yields.”
He added, “The success of the agricultural project in Central Buganda Diocese is a testament to the impact that collaboration between the government and the Church can have on communities. With continued support and collaboration, more communities can be empowered to become self-sufficient and create a better future for themselves.”
