President Museveni has called on residents of Butebo district to fully utilise their land to achieve greater economic prosperity.
He made his remarks during a rally at a thanksgiving ceremony for Dr. Monica Musenero, the minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, held at Petete Primary School in Butebo District.
During his first stop in Oladot village, Kadesok Parish, Opwateta Sub-county, Kibale County, Pallisa District, Museveni officially inaugurated Lukonge Cotton Company Limited, a company dedicated to cassava starch production.
It should be noted that Uganda has historically depended on imported starch for pharmaceutical manufacturing, leading to high import costs. Thus, the establishment of this cassava starch manufacturer marks a significant step towards self-sufficiency in starch production, which is essential for medicine manufacturing.
President Museveni emphasised that local production of cassava starch will not only reduce import costs but also strengthen Uganda’s pharmaceutical sector, fostering economic growth and sustainability.
On his second stop at Dr. Musenero’s home in Kaberekeke village, Butebo District, the President visited a stock farm learning centre where local farmers demonstrated how they have utilised small portions of land for various agricultural activities.
He observed cattle kept for demonstration purposes and was briefed on how cow dung is used to produce biogas for domestic use.
He also briefly met the Minister’s family members and discussed socio-economic development.
At the rally, President Museveni expressed concern about the misuse and underutilization of fertile land in the Butebo area.
“This is a very rich area; you can see how God arranged it,” he remarked, referencing his visit to the cassava processing centre.
However, the president pointed out that many local farmers are mismanaging their land, particularly in the valleys where rice cultivation is prevalent.
He described this as a misuse of valuable resources and called for a shift towards more sustainable and profitable farming methods, such as irrigation and the use of fertilisers.
He shared successful examples from Pallisa where fish farming at the edges of swamps has proven to be far more lucrative than rice farming.
“By restoring swamps, engaging in fish farming, and irrigating dry land, farmers can significantly increase their income,” he said.
He also encouraged residents to embrace diversified agriculture, including the cultivation of cash crops such as coffee and cocoa, as well as dairy farming and poultry.
He addressed the issue of land fragmentation, a common practice that he believes hinders agricultural productivity. President Museveni advised families to form family companies to manage their land collectively rather than dividing it after the death of the family head.
“If the head of the family passes away, don’t fragment their property. Instead, form a family company, work together, and share profits. This way, you can grow wealthier and eventually buy your own property,” he advised.
As an example, he shared the story of Dr. Musenero’s family, who reunited their 70-acre estate to grow coffee, cocoa, and pasture for dairy cattle.
“This morning, God brought me good news from Dr. Musenero’s family, where her uncles have agreed to bring together their family land and form a family company. They plan to grow coffee, cocoa, and pasture for dairy cattle,” he added.
Museveni also shared a personal account of his first encounter with Dr. Musenero, a veterinary expert renowned for her work in combating zoonotic diseases. He recounted how he first came to know Dr. Musenero during an Ebola outbreak in Kibaale.
Dr. Musenero expressed deep gratitude to President Museveni and the people of Butebo.
“Your Excellency the President, we are deeply honoured that you accepted the invitation from the people of this small village, town, and community. Today, we come together with a singular mission to say thank you, our President,” she said.
Dr. Musenero emphasised the importance of this occasion as an opportunity to reflect on the many blessings the community shares under President Museveni’s leadership.
She further conveyed her immense gratitude to God for guiding them through difficult times.
“Despite the challenges, we persevered. Today, we offer our thanks and appreciation,” she stated.
