As part of the ongoing Kabaka 70th birthday celebrations, Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II has extended a generous and impactful gift to the people of Buganda modernised tractors to each of the 18 counties across the Kingdom.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to modernise agriculture, enhance farming efficiency, and improve the livelihoods of the people of Buganda.
The first tractor was officially handed over to Mawokota County at a ceremony held at the Buganda Kingdom headquarters in Mengo.
The tractor was received by the county head, Sarah Nannono Kaweesi, and presented by the Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Katikkiro Mayiga highlighted the significance of this donation and its expected impact on the agricultural sector.
“Approximately 60% of the people of Buganda are involved in agriculture at both the subsistence and the commercial levels,” he noted. “These structures are merely symbolic of the need to embrace technology and also to use appropriate farming methods in order to maximize yields.”
He emphasized that transitioning from traditional tools to mechanized farming is essential for progress.
“We must slowly transition from the hoe to mechanized production on the farms. We must also employ best farming methods, including use of appropriate fertilizers to increase the yields from our farms,” the Katikkiro said.
He further warned about the dangers of land degradation due to overuse.
“Overuse of the land tends to lead to degeneration of nutrients, so the need to use fertilizers cannot be overemphasized, provided that those fertilizers are the appropriate ones.”
Katikkiro Mayiga urged farmers to embrace full-scale mechanization to uplift their incomes and honor the Kabaka’s vision for an economically empowered Kingdom.
“If we transition from the hoe and embrace mechanization, and ultimately full-blown mechanization, the earnings from agriculture will significantly rise. And maximization of farm use, I think, is the best way of thanking His Majesty as we mark his 70th birthday for all his efforts in the field of agriculture.”
The donation of modernised tractors to all 18 counties reflects Kabaka Mutebi’s unwavering commitment to improving the quality of life for his people and empowering communities through agricultural development.
This bold step is expected to revolutionize farming practices across Buganda, ensuring higher crop yields, better produce quality, and increased household incomes.
The Kingdom of Buganda will officially celebrate Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II’s 70th birthday on Sunday, March 13, with a thanksgiving mass at Rubaga Cathedral. The mass will be led by the Archbishop of Kampala, His Grace Paul Ssemogerere.
