Hoima, (UG):- Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) in partnership with the Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom have donated irrigation equipment and seeds to the best-performing farmers in Bunyoro region who are under the Agricultural Department Program (ADP).
The training and implementation was conducted on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, by the Stanbic Business Incubator Ltd at the Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom offices.
This followed the completion of Phase 1 of the program where 40 farmers were trained on backyard gardening at the Stanbic Incubator Demonstration farm in Hoima.
The Kingdom identified the 40 farmers from 15 counties in Bunyoro region and linked them to UNOC to access the training and farm inputs.
Each irrigation kit, valued at approximately 6,500,000 UGX, represents a significant investment in the future of these farmers and their communities. They will now be able to produce crops year-round and support their farmer associations, creating a multiplier effect.
The best-performing farmers who benefited from the donation include Mr Bagonza John Mary from Kagadi district, Mr Magezi Francis from Kikuube district, Ms Aliguma Joan from Hoima City Ms Joan Kunihira from Kiryandongo district and Mr Rwakaikara John Mary Vian from Masindi district.
The ceremony was presided over by the BKK Chief Administrative Secretary Mr Katusabe Alex who represented the Prime Minister of Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom Owek Andrew Byakutaga Ateenyi.
In his speech, the Bunyoro Premier appreciated UNOC and Stanbic Business Incubator Ltd for partnering with the Kingdom to support farmers.
He said the Kingdom is implementing a Desired Household Model which has been code named Eka Ekwesimisa in order to boost incomes and Agricultural production at the household level.
Byakutaaga added that when homes have enhanced productivity, the quality of life of the people will improve, before pledging that the kingdom will continue supporting farmers to enable them to embrace commercial farming and expose them to various market opportunities.
The UNOC Chief Operating Officer Ms Samantha Muhwezi represented the UNOC Chief Executive Officer. She indicated that the Agricultural Development Program has boosted food security among the beneficiaries and improved farming methods that have enhanced productivity.
Ms Muhwezi said working with various stakeholders, UNOC is committed to support the communities to benefit from the oil and gas industry.
The function was attended by Mr Muyambi Moses, the Deputy RCC Hoima City, Mr Atwine Bernard, the RISO in charge of Oil & Gas, Assistant RCC Hoima City Barnabas Tugume, Mr Patrick Asiimwe, the Assistant RDC Masindi, the Hoima district Vice Chairperson Hon Hellen Mulumba, the Hoima City Deputy Mayor Hon Sylvia Nalumaga, Ms Shilah Agaba, the Acting Chief Executive Stanbic Business incubator, Leaders of Bunyoro Babiito Cooperative Society, Bunyoro-Kitara Kingdom Staff, farmers, officials from UNOC, Stanbic Bank, Stanbic Business Incubator Ltd and journalists.
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