Mbale City, Uganda: General Caleb Akandwanaho, popularly known as Gen. Salim Saleh, has pledged to support the Bugisu Transformation Agenda (BUTRA), a proposed multi-sector development programme estimated to cost Shs300 billion and aimed at accelerating socio-economic transformation across the Bugisu sub-region.
The development was disclosed by the spokesperson of the Bugisu Cultural Institution, Steven Masiga, following a meeting between His Highness Umukuka III Jude Mike Mudoma and Gen. Saleh in Luwero earlier this week.
According to Masiga, the proposed transformation agenda seeks to mobilise resources to support strategic investments in agriculture, agro-processing, environmental conservation, education and household wealth creation across the six districts and Mbale City that make up the Bugisu sub-region.
He said Gen. Saleh committed to supporting the initiative, particularly interventions aimed at revitalising coffee production and improving household incomes.
“General Salim Saleh pledged to support Bugisu’s transformation agenda and committed to engaging government and President Yoweri Museveni on the proposals presented by His Highness the Umukuka,” Masiga said.
Masiga explained that the proposed Shs300 billion investment would, if secured, be channelled through local governments across Bugisu to implement priority programmes identified in the region’s cultural development strategy.
Among the key priorities is the rehabilitation of the coffee sector through the distribution of improved coffee seedlings to farmers, replacing ageing coffee trees, many of which are estimated to have been planted more than 80 years ago and are now producing low yields.
The agenda also prioritises expansion of cocoa production, promotion of Hass avocado farming, value addition through sweet banana processing for export, and other commercial agricultural enterprises intended to lift households out of poverty.
In addition, the plan seeks to promote bamboo growing in urban centres, along riverbanks and within homesteads as part of environmental conservation efforts, while also strengthening education and other community development initiatives.
Masiga said clan chairpersons across Bugisu will play a central role in mobilising communities and supporting implementation of the proposed programmes.
The spokesperson further revealed that earlier this year, the Ministry of Local Government constituted a committee led by Dr. Paul Mwambu, working alongside officials from the Bugisu Cultural Institution and the ministry, to support implementation of the Umukuka’s long-term development vision for the sub-region.
The meeting with Gen. Saleh was attended by His Highness Umukuka III Jude Mike Mudoma and members of the institution’s cabinet, including Hon. Andrew Masaba, Hon. Anthony Wanyoto, Hon. Richard Maserejje, Hon. Sarah Khanakwa, and Hon. Dr. Robert Kimanai.
The Bugisu Cultural Institution says the proposed transformation agenda is intended to complement ongoing government development programmes by leveraging cultural leadership to mobilise communities around sustainable economic development.
While the institution has estimated the programme at Shs300 billion, details regarding the source of funding and implementation timelines are yet to be officially announced.
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