Kamuli, Uganda: The First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs, Hon. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, has issued a stern warning to the Ministry of Agriculture, threatening to mobilize Kamuli residents to invade Kasolwe Stock Farm over what she termed as “continued mismanagement and exclusion of the Busoga community.”
Speaking during the launch of a chili farming initiative in Bunangwe Zone, Balawoli Town Council, Kamuli District, where she represented Vice President Jessica Alupo, Kadaga accused the Ministry of Agriculture of diverting livestock and essential farming inputs meant for Kasolwe.
“I will command the community to take over the farm. It was meant to benefit the people of Busoga, but that has not happened,” Kadaga said. “I raised this issue in Cabinet, but nothing has been done.”
Kadaga further accused the Ministry of sidelining locals in employment opportunities and livestock distribution at the farm, which is managed by the National Animal Genetic Resources Centre and Data Bank (NAGRIC & DB).
“The farm is benefiting a few individuals who are not even from Busoga. My people are being denied access, and that cannot continue,” she added.
She also expressed frustration at the Ministry’s failure to deliver on her request for 11 tractors to support farmers in Kamuli, noting that the equipment was instead redirected to other regions.
Kadaga later read a message from Vice President Jessica Alupo, who pledged government support to the Busoga Consortium’s agricultural initiatives aimed at lifting the region out of poverty, starting with chili farming, which now has a ready export market in China.
Julius Twinamasiko, representing State Minister for Agriculture Fred Bwino Kyakulaga, praised the chili initiative, saying it aligns with Uganda’s national agenda to promote agro-industrialization and youth employment.
“This collaboration with the Chinese government will empower local farmers with high-value crops like chili and open up sustainable income streams,” Twinamasiko said.
The chili project is being spearheaded by the Greater Kamuli Farmers’ Cooperative under the Busoga Consortium, with technical and market support from the Chinese Embassy in Uganda.
Anthony Mula, the Executive Director of the Busoga Consortium, commended the partnership, revealing that the Chinese market is already offering a competitive price of UGX 3,000 per kilogram of chili.
“We now have a reliable market. This is a huge step in addressing poverty among our farmers in Busoga,” Mula said.
The event was attended by several leaders including MPs Steven Kisa (Luuka North) and John Taira (Bugabula North), among other government and political dignitaries.
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