The Buganda Kingdom Minister for Youth, Sports and Talent Development, Robert Serwanga, has called on young people to actively engage in agriculture and adopt modern farming methods to achieve sustainable livelihoods.
Serwanga made the remarks during his official tour of Buweekula County, where he visited several youth-led projects aimed at promoting self-reliance and productivity.
His tour began in Ssaabaddu Kagoma Parish, Mutuba I Kitenga Sub-county, at the farm of 27-year-old Jaggwe Peter, a coffee farmer cultivating six acres of land, two of which were allocated to him by his father.
The minister commended the young farmer for his initiative and encouraged him to adopt modern agricultural practices, including proper coffee plantation management and maintaining accurate farm records such as the recommended number of coffee trees per acre.
He urged Jaggwe to share his experience with fellow youth and serve as a model farmer within the community.
Serwanga also applauded Jaggwe’s father for supporting his son with land, noting that parental involvement plays a crucial role in empowering young people economically.
He encouraged parents to mentor and guide their children in income-generating activities instead of assuming they will succeed without support.
During the visit, the minister met members of “Balitulabirako General Group,” a youth coffee farmers’ association in the area.
The group expressed gratitude for the engagement, saying the visit had boosted their morale and strengthened their commitment to agricultural development.
They cited improved productivity under the coffee initiative known as “Mmwanyi Terimba,” a flagship programme championed by the kingdom to promote commercial coffee growing.
From Jaggwe’s farm, Serwanga proceeded to Mumyuka Kalonga Parish, where he visited Steven Nkudiye, a livestock farmer and coffee grower.
He later toured the coffee and livestock project of Mumpe Mathias in Bugonzi Parish.
On the first day of his visit, the minister also inspected a metal fabrication workshop operated by Kasole Elijah Nyinzima in Ssaabagabo Kasambya Sub-county.
The youth entrepreneur specializes in manufacturing doors, windows and other metal products, reflecting diversification beyond agriculture.
Addressing young people, particularly in rural areas, Serwanga urged them not to abandon their villages in search of opportunities in urban centres.
He emphasized that cities were once rural areas transformed through hard work and innovation, encouraging youth to develop their own communities instead.
The County Chief of Buweekula (Mwami w’Essaza), Andrew Mukasa Ssempijja, said the county leadership has established programmes aimed at equipping young people with skills and support to become self-reliant and competitive.
Buweekula County Youth Chairperson Nagawa Florence noted that the minister’s visit had significantly motivated young people and would enhance the quality of their work as they apply the guidance received.
Serwanga is expected to conclude his tour by presiding over the swearing-in ceremony of youth leaders and officially launching the 2025 Sub-county Sports Competitions.
The competitions bring together sub-counties across the counties of Buganda, with each county’s trophy named after its County Chief.
In Buweekula, the tournament will be played under the banner “Luweekula Cup,” with opening fixtures featuring Mumyuka Bagezza against Ssaabagabo Kasambya, while Mutuba I Kitenga will face Musaale Kiyuuni.
