Kanungu, Uganda: President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Wednesday unveiled a new loan scheme to support large-scale farmers growing tea, coffee and cocoa, pledging affordable access to fertilizers through farmer SACCOs.
Addressing thousands of supporters at Rwere Playground in Kanungu District, Museveni said the initiative will allow farmers to borrow funds for fertilizer purchase and repay after harvesting and selling their produce.
“What we are going to do is provide a loan scheme for tea farmers to buy fertilizers,” he said. “Once you harvest and sell, you return the money to the SACCO.”
The President, who was accompanied by First Daughter Patience Rwabwogo and senior NRM leaders, told residents that peace remains one of the NRM’s most vital achievements—particularly for border communities like Kanungu.
“You are near the border with the DRC, and you know what it is to live in insecurity. But all that was resolved, and you are now living peacefully,” Museveni said.
He highlighted ongoing and planned infrastructure projects, including works on the Ntungamo–Rukungiri–Kanungu–Ishasha road and upcoming upgrades on the Hamugwa–Kerere–Kanungu–Buhoma–Butogota–Hamayanja–Mpasha–Ikundya and Ishasha–Katuna routes.
Museveni said Kanungu now has 22 government secondary schools and 136 primary schools, describing the progress as proof of expanded social and economic services. However, he urged residents to prioritise household income.
“Even if we tarmac the roads, you will not sleep on them,” he said. “First sort household income; the rest will be worked on by government.”
The President revisited the four-acre model and the history of tea growing in Uganda, saying he personally promoted tea planting in the 1990s after learning from Indian farmers and working with Amama and Jackie Mbabazi.
Former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi praised Museveni’s leadership, saying he had steered Uganda “through mountains and valleys” and remained the best candidate, a view shared by former Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda.
Speaker of Parliament Anita Among told the gathering that government had secured 140 million Euros for a major road project in the region. She commended Museveni for providing Shs310 million to support the tea sector and for ensuring lasting peace in Kanungu, especially given its sensitive border location.
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