David Lukungu, a resident of Gwill village in Gulu District, is no ordinary farmer. He’s a model farmer who has embraced commercial agriculture, reaping benefits not just for himself, but for his community as well.
Lukungu focuses on cassava production in large quantities, utilizing the TME-19 variety sourced from Soroti. This dedication was evident during Deputy RDC Gulu Cosmas James Okidi’s visit on January 3rd, 2024.
Lukungu’s success extends beyond cassava. He also engages in small-scale banana, piggery, and poultry farming. These ventures, along with his cassava earnings, have significantly improved his life. He’s able to pay for his children’s university education, construct houses in both his village and Gulu city, and even expand his farm.
The benefits extend beyond Lukungu himself. He offers cassava cuttings at affordable prices to surrounding communities, making quality planting material accessible. His farm also serves as a demonstration plot, where local farmers learn about commercial production techniques and market access.
However, water scarcity poses a major challenge. To overcome this, Lukungu needs a deep well/borehole to enable small-scale irrigation during dry seasons. He’s seeking support from well-wishers, willing to co-fund the project.
Deputy RDC Okidi, impressed with Lukungu’s initiative, pledged to lobby for support from government, NGOs, and other individuals. He also encouraged the public to emulate Lukungu’s model, emphasizing its potential for economic and social transformation in Uganda.
As President Museveni highlighted in his New Year’s address, agriculture is a key pillar of the four-sector economy envisioned for Uganda’s future, along with industrialization, services, ICT, and regional integration. Lukungu’s story serves as a powerful example of how embracing this vision can create positive change, not just for individuals, but for entire communities.
