President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has held a meeting with Rt. Rev. John Okude Omuse, Bishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya-Diocese of Katakwa, at State Lodge, Nakasero.
The Bishop, accompanied by his wife Mrs. Grace Nanjala and other clergy, was led by Uganda’s Vice President, Jessica Alupo.
During the meeting, President Museveni shared key insights on Uganda’s strategies for wealth creation, particularly its success in transitioning citizens from subsistence farming to active participation in the money economy.
“When we came into power, cotton was the main cash crop among the Itesots here in Uganda. I advised them to shift because it wasn’t logical for households with small pieces of land to grow cotton. Instead, I urged them to plant fruits like mangoes, pineapples, and oranges,” President Museveni said.
He further highlighted that the adoption of such crops, alongside cotton and poultry farming, has significantly improved livelihoods in Uganda. The President also stressed the importance of proper financial planning, commonly known as “ekibaro,” explaining that Ugandans must distinguish between intensive and extensive farming.
“In intensive agriculture, I have advised since 1995 to only engage in high-value activities, so that even on small plots of land, you can make substantial profits,” he added.
President Museveni identified seven key commercial enterprises to promote wealth creation. These include coffee; fruits such as mangoes, oranges, pineapples, apples, and grapes; zero-grazing dairy farming; fish farming; poultry for eggs; pig farming; and staple crops like cassava and bananas.
“People who have listened to this message are doing well,” Museveni noted.
The President also emphasized the need for free trade in foodstuffs across East Africa, explaining that this would help mitigate issues of food scarcity between nations.
“Free trade would prevent food shortages in one country when there is abundance in another. We will continue discussions with our East African Community (EAC) partners to achieve a real common market, free from non-tariff barriers, as these barriers harm the citizens of all our countries,” he remarked.
On religious matters, President Museveni addressed the need for self-reliance, critiquing the notion that divine intervention alone can sustain individuals without effort.
“I don’t agree with the idea that God will provide for those who do not work. As a religious leader, you must exemplify the values you teach,” he stated. “A body that is hungry and sick cannot truly embody the temple of God.”
The President underscored the importance of hard work and responsibility, stating that faith should be accompanied by diligent effort to ensure both individual and community development.
In response, Bishop Okude expressed his gratitude for President Museveni’s visionary leadership, saying, “Your Excellency, you are the father of our region, East Africa. We cannot commend you enough for your continuous dedication and support for your fellow leaders and citizens.”
However, the Bishop also raised concerns about the agricultural challenges facing the Iteso community in Katakwi. He noted that limited cash crops and ineffective farming practices are significantly hindering the economic growth of the Iteso people.
“The lack of robust agricultural practices is taking a toll on the community, leaving them unable to benefit from agriculture as they should,” he said. “I am grateful to hear your wisdom on wealth creation and value addition in agriculture.”
The Iteso people reside in both Uganda and Kenya, with the community living in Uganda’s Eastern Region and in Kenya’s Busia County, located in the Western Province.
