The Katikkiro of Buganda Kingdom, Charles Peter Mayiga, has called on government to prioritise and increase funding to the agriculture sector, describing it as the backbone of Uganda’s economy.
Mayiga made the remarks during a community engagement in Buddu County, held in Mutuba IV Sub-county, Kyebe Parish in Kyotera District, as part of the ongoing “Emmwanyi Terimba” initiative.
The programme, which focuses on improving household incomes across Buganda, is built on six pillars including agriculture, education, trade, health, talent development, and financial empowerment.
Addressing residents and local leaders, Mayiga emphasised that agriculture remains the most reliable pathway to lifting households out of poverty and driving national development.
“Agriculture supports the majority of Ugandans and contributes greatly to national revenue. It deserves more funding and attention,” he said, urging budget planners to prioritise the sector, including support such as fertilisers and pesticides for farmers.
The Katikkiro also stressed the importance of discipline and integrity in achieving meaningful development.
“Development begins with integrity and hard work. Without those values, even the best programmes cannot succeed,” he noted.
Local leaders and beneficiaries of savings groups under the initiative said the programme is already transforming livelihoods.
Stephen Kibissi, the Kabaka’s representative in Mutuba IV, said participation in cooperative savings schemes has helped many households improve their standards of living.
“Joining savings groups has helped many people become more self-reliant,” he said.
Vincent Bbaale Mugera, a coordinator of savings groups in Buddu, said the initiative is gaining traction and could significantly reduce poverty if sustained.
“People in Buddu are steadily embracing cooperative work. If this programme continues, poverty will soon become history in this region,” he said.
During the tour, Mayiga also visited Kasensero landing site on Lake Victoria, where fishermen raised concerns about insecurity on the lake.
Joseph Kimera, a fishermen’s leader, said suspected armed groups—believed to originate from neighbouring Tanzania—have been attacking fishermen and stealing engines and gear.
“Our lives are at risk on the lake. We are attacked and robbed of our engines, yet fishing is our only source of livelihood,” Kimera said.
In response, Mayiga called for urgent government intervention to protect fishing communities.
“Fishermen must be protected so they can work freely. This issue requires immediate attention,” he said.
He also warned about the continued threat of HIV/Aids, particularly in fishing communities, urging residents to remain vigilant.
The Katikkiro later visited a model coffee farmer, using the opportunity to encourage farmers to focus on quality production to enhance competitiveness.
Local leaders, including Buganda’s Agriculture Minister Hajji Amis Mukasa Kakomo and State Minister for Microfinance Huruna Kyeyune Kasolo, commended the initiative for promoting agriculture and improving livelihoods across the region.
