By Jumah Kakomo and Kabuye Ronald
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has directed the Ministry of Agriculture to begin breeding coffee and other cash-crop seedlings for free distribution to farmers across the country, citing the need to counter the high prices charged by private nursery operators.
While meeting leaders and residents of Bukedi Sub-region, the President urged farmers to fully embrace government-supported intensive agricultural programs as a pathway to sustainable wealth creation. He guided the community on proper enterprise selection, highlighting successful examples of commercial agriculture in other regions.
President Museveni further emphasized the importance of proper land management, including the preservation of wetlands for irrigation. He confirmed that government has finalized plans to establish fish-feed factories in Jinja and Bukalasa, which will support the fast-growing aquaculture sector.
The President also warned Africans about the looming danger posed by political disintegration, saying fragmentation has hindered technological advancement and weakened Africa’s ability to respond to emerging global security threats. He called on the continent’s youth to focus on safeguarding the future of the African race.
During a media interaction with journalists from Bukedi at Mbale State Lodge, President Museveni questioned the contribution of intellectuals and young people toward shaping Africa’s future. He also challenged African nations to work toward consolidating regional markets for greater economic strength.
President Museveni noted that one of the historical achievements of the NRM government is its commitment to direct financing of wealth-creation interventions, a feat no previous government had attempted. He cited socioeconomic empowerment initiatives—including Emyooga, the Parish Development Model (PDM), Youth Livelihood Programme, Women Empowerment Schemes, and others—as revolutionary tools already transforming individuals, households, and communities nationwide.
He reported that these wealth-creation programs have supported job creation across Bukedi Sub-region, particularly in commercial agriculture and industrialization. The President added that the NRM government has deliberately addressed key structural bottlenecks to national development in all major sectors.
Addressing leaders and residents, President Museveni urged prioritization in public service delivery and called for convergence in planning and budgeting to ensure effective utilization of government resources. He explained that poor coordination in budgeting has slowed the establishment of vital infrastructure such as roads, electricity, schools, hospitals, and water systems.
Highlighting progress in Bukedi, the President listed several completed and ongoing tarmac road projects and assured the public of more developments. He concluded by emphasizing the need for unity as a foundation for lasting peace and prosperity.
