EDITOR
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has urged the Kigezi community to adopt modern farming methods to maximize land productivity. Speaking at the International Community of Banyakigezi (ICOB) Uganda Chapter convention held at Meizimeera Eco Resort in Kihihi, Kanungu District, Museveni highlighted the importance of strategic land use, particularly for farmers with limited acreage.
The President advised those with less than four acres of land to divide it into four sections: one for fish farming, another for crop cultivation, a third for coffee growing, and the last for ventures such as piggery, poultry, or additional fish ponds. He discouraged small-scale farmers from growing labor-intensive crops like tea, tobacco, and cotton, which are better suited for farmers with larger land holdings.
President Museveni was warmly welcomed by cabinet ministers, Members of Parliament, local government leaders, and ICOB members. Hon. Kyatuhaire Jackline, Deputy Treasurer of the NRM Secretariat, hosted the event and appealed to the President to consider elevating Kihihi to municipality status, citing its rapid growth and development.
Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, the Minister of ICT and National Guidance and MP for Kinkizi East, introduced the President to the audience. In his remarks, Baryomunsi expressed gratitude for government programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, and the improvement of roads in the region. He noted that funds had been secured for tarmacking tourism roads in Kigezi and requested that the Enengo road be prioritized due to its significance for tourism and accessibility. He also reminded the President of a previous pledge to undertake the project using oil revenue.
The event honored prominent figures from Kigezi, including former Prime Ministers Amama Mbabazi and Ruhakana Rugunda, Minister and Jim Muhwezi.
Kanungu District Chairperson Sam Kajojo raised concerns about the declining tea industry in the region and urged the President to address its challenges. Regional leaders reaffirmed their commitment to collaborating with the government to achieve socioeconomic transformation in Kigezi.
The one-day convention, themed “Building Partnerships for Socioeconomic Transformation,” emphasized the importance of collaboration and innovation in addressing development challenges. President Museveni’s participation underscored the government’s commitment to improving the livelihoods of the Banyakigezi community.
