President Museveni's Comprehensive Tour in Bukedi: A Vision for Agricultural Innovation, Education Reform, and Environmental Restoration

*By John Kusolo*

On his final day of the Bukedi tour, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni addressed the residents of Pallisa District, highlighting key government initiatives aimed at transforming the region’s economy, education, and environmental practices. The tour provided a platform for the President to reinforce the government’s commitment to sustainable agriculture, affordable education, and poverty alleviation.

In Pallisa, President Museveni acknowledged local leaders' support for the "4-acre model," a farming initiative introduced by the government in 1996. The model advocates using four acres of land for diverse activities to maximize agricultural productivity and provide consistent income. This approach includes cultivating coffee and fruits, raising dairy cattle, growing family staples like cassava, and engaging in income-generating activities such as piggery, poultry for egg production, and fish farming.

An exciting new addition to this model is cocoa farming, which has gained traction in Bukedi due to its market demand and adaptability to the region’s climate. "I thank their leaders for accepting our manifesto plan," President Museveni said, emphasizing the potential of these activities to help farmers diversify their income streams and reduce vulnerability to market or climate disruptions.

A significant milestone of President Museveni's tour was the Limoto Wetland Restoration project, which has helped former rice growers adopt fish farming. This transition from traditional rice cultivation to fish farming is a model of economic adaptation and environmental conservation. Fish farming not only provides a new income stream for farmers but also reduces strain on the wetland’s ecosystem.

President Museveni commended the initiative's dual benefits, as it is restoring water resources that can be used for irrigation, promoting sustainable agriculture in surrounding areas. The inclusion of drip irrigation in the project is an innovative approach that conserves water while enhancing productivity, allowing the community to harvest more crops in the future. This project highlights the government's commitment to sustainable development practices that balance economic needs with environmental preservation.

A recurring theme in President Museveni's message to the people of Bukedi was the importance of fully utilizing available resources. He observed that Bukedi’s fertile land is often underutilized or misused. By implementing modern farming techniques, including those supported by the 4-acre model, communities in Bukedi can unlock the full potential of their land, improving productivity and enhancing food security.

President Museveni called on the people to leverage the government’s agricultural initiatives, underscoring the potential of even small land parcels to contribute to household income and overall community prosperity. Through better land utilization and adopting diversified agricultural practices, Bukedi residents can work toward a self-sustaining future.

Education reform was another critical agenda in President Museveni's Bukedi tour. The launch of the Bukedi Industrial Hub represents a new approach to free education, directly addressing the high dropout rates associated with financial constraints. While Universal Primary Education (UPE) was introduced in 1996 to make education accessible, reports from areas like Kibuku indicate that 82 out of 100 students drop out after Primary Seven, primarily due to school-related fees and charges.

The President emphasized that these Hubs, which provide free vocational training, are a model for how Uganda can offer truly free education, enabling young people to acquire practical skills that can translate into employment or entrepreneurial opportunities. The testimonies of students who have benefited from the Hub’s programs underscore its transformative impact on the community.

“The Prime Minister has decided to implement the NRM’s thinking in Bukedi using the Hubs as an example to fully implement UPE and USE,” President Museveni said, reinforcing the government’s dedication to quality education that does not burden families financially.

Throughout his Bukedi tour, President Museveni’s message was clear: self-sufficiency is key to regional development. By embracing diversified agriculture, restoring wetlands, and providing free vocational education, the government is equipping Bukedi with tools for sustainable growth. The President’s commitment to environmentally friendly agricultural practices and accessible education exemplifies his administration's focus on building a robust economy, ensuring that every Ugandan has the resources and support to thrive.

President Museveni’s tour ended with a call to action for the people of Bukedi: to harness the region's potential fully, adopt innovative farming methods, and value education as a pathway to a better future. The President’s initiatives promise a brighter, more prosperous Bukedi, where communities have the means to lift themselves from poverty and contribute to Uganda’s development.