By KJohn Alinaitwe —Bundibugyo
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has kicked off his tour of Rwenzori Sub region starting with Bundibugyo District at Kanyantuwa East Cell, Nyawungu Ward in Buganikere Sub-county, where he visited the farm of Bernard Kacuro—a standout model farmer demonstrating the transformative potential of agriculture.
Kacuro, who cultivates cocoa, palm oil, bananas, and practices fish farming on his 12-acre piece of land, revealed that he earns approximately 60 million shillings monthly from his cocoa plantation alone. The income supports his extended family, including four wives and 34 children, five of whom have graduated with bachelor’s degrees.
In his submission to the president, Kacuro challenged both the government and PDM beneficiaries to adopt professional project management practices to ensure sustainable household income growth—even with limited land. He also appealed to the government to partner with established farmers like himself to set up mechanized agricultural production facilities that can scale up productivity.
Meanwhile, several PDM beneficiaries in Bundibugyo echoed the need for government support in establishing value addition facilities. Speaking to the media during the presidential tour, they noted that although the PDM funds have boosted primary production, lack of processing and packaging infrastructure hampers profitability.
Among the beneficiaries was Mugisha Bernard, who runs a goat farm, as well as Julius Kamunyu, Flora Mbutegereiye, and Teopista Tebananuka, all engaged in piggery. They called for urgent investment in facilities to add value to cocoa, coffee, pork, goat meat, and other agro-products.
Bundibugyo District Commercial Officer Joyce Tusabe reinforced the need for financial discipline among beneficiaries. She cautioned against the diversion of funds from approved projects, citing cases where cocoa farmers shift focus due to seasonal market excitement, leading to financial losses.
Tusabe revealed that over the past three financial years, the government has injected 33 billion shillings into 40,000 group enterprises through 130 SACCOs in Bundibugyo District. The main areas of investment include cocoa and coffee farming, piggery, poultry, and goat rearing.
ctvuganda
