(Nakaseke) – The Government of Uganda has launched a new initiative in partnership with Greater Luweero to boost agricultural production and improve livelihoods in the region. The Greater Luwero Transformation Programme, spearheaded by the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Deputy Secretary General, Rt. Hon. Namayanja Rose Nsereko, was unveiled on Friday, October 18, 2024, at Nakaseke District headquarters.
This program aligns with the NRM’s wider socio economic transformation agenda. Its aim is to enhance the livelihoods of residents in the Luweero, Nakaseke, and Nakasongola districts through agro-industrialization, supporting small-scale industries, and promoting larger agricultural sectors that will drive the region’s economic development. Namayanja explained that this targeted effort would help elevate household incomes by focusing on specific areas needing support.
“We are taking a bold step through this affirmative action program to improve the economic status of the Greater Luwero sub-region,” Namayanja said during the launch.
In collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries, the government has provided farmers in the region with various resources. This includes three tractors, 60,000 coffee seedlings, 20,000 avocado seedlings, and 5,000 kilograms of soya seeds to promote crop farming. The livestock sector is also receiving support through the distribution of vaccines, with 70,000 doses of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccine, 10,000 doses for Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), and 10,000 doses for Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) to improve livestock health and productivity.
The Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) has committed to establishing six centers in the region to support coffee production. These centers will provide farmers with access to mother gardens, nursery beds, and demonstration farms, equipping them with modern farming techniques. Additionally, the introduction of irrigation systems will ensure that coffee production continues throughout the year, regardless of seasonal changes.
Namayanja emphasized that the program is not politically motivated, but rather an effort to ensure that the region receives the necessary support to thrive. “This is not about politics; it’s about ensuring that this region gets the attention and support it deserves,” she said, stressing the importance of collaboration with government ministries, non governmental organizations, the private sector, and other key stakeholders.
She also reiterated the NRM government’s longstanding commitment to the development of Greater Luwero but noted that more still needs to be done. She urged local farmers and district leaders to make the best use of the equipment and resources provided under the program. “We are committed to rolling out this initiative and ensuring that it delivers,” Namayanja added.
Ocan Joel Joe, who represented the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries at the event, praised the initiative as a significant step toward empowering rural farming communities. He said that the provision of tractors and other agricultural equipment would enable farmers to increase production, diversify their crops, and implement modern farming techniques that would enhance efficiency and lead to higher yields.
Luweero Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Bwabye Ntulume expressed gratitude to Namayanja for launching the program, noting that it is tailored to address the specific needs of the three districts in the Greater Luwero sub-region. He pledged the continued cooperation of local officials to ensure that the services and resources provided reach the intended beneficiaries. “Our chief administrative officers are committed cadres who work tirelessly to ensure service delivery,” he said.
Hon. Sarah Najjuma, the Woman Member of Parliament for Nakaseke District, also expressed her appreciation to President Museveni for remembering the Greater Luwero region. She highlighted the government’s ongoing work on key roads to facilitate access to markets for agricultural products. “We are fortunate to have an NRM government that serves the wananchi,” Najjuma concluded.
