Residents and local leaders in Myanzi Sub-county, Kassanda District, have welcomed the government's distribution of free seeds, describing the initiative as a major opportunity to improve household incomes and boost food production.
Hundreds of residents gathered at the Myanzi Sub-county headquarters to receive the seeds, with leaders urging beneficiaries to use them productively and avoid selling them.
Speaking during the distribution exercise, Myanzi Sub-county Chief Hellen Nakato said the sub-county had received more than 6,000 seed packages from the government.
"These seeds are intended to improve livelihoods and increase agricultural production. We appeal to all those involved in the distribution exercise to avoid asking residents for money because the seeds are meant to be given out freely," Nakato said.
Myanzi Sub-county Chairperson Alex Nywevu confirmed receipt of the seed packages and praised the government for supporting farmers.
"This programme is a great opportunity for our people. I encourage all beneficiaries to plant the seeds and use them for development rather than selling them. Those in charge of distribution must also ensure fairness and transparency," Nywevu said.
Youth Councillor Benon Kasagga encouraged young people to embrace agriculture and use the seeds to establish productive gardens.
"Young people should view these seeds as a chance to create wealth and become self-reliant. Selling them would defeat the purpose of the programme," he said.
At the village level, leaders also welcomed the initiative.
Lukira Village Chairperson Sulaiman Kakinda Atwooki said residents were grateful for the government support and hoped similar programmes would continue.
"Our people have received this support with great joy. We thank the government for remembering rural communities and ask that such programmes continue because they directly improve household incomes," he said.
The NRM Chairperson for Myanzi Sub-county, Elifazi Jjemba, said the initiative would strengthen public confidence in government programmes but cautioned local leaders against politicising the exercise.
"The distribution of these seeds should not be influenced by political affiliation. Every resident deserves to benefit from the programme as long as they qualify," Jjemba said.
Residents said the seeds offer renewed hope for increased agricultural production and improved household incomes, especially as many families continue to grapple with the rising cost of living.
Local leaders pledged to closely monitor the distribution exercise to ensure the seeds reach the intended beneficiaries and are used for their intended purpose.
