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Busoga Kingdom has signed an important agreement with the National Agricultural Research Organization (NARO) to improve agriculture in the Busoga sub-region. The agreement, known as a memorandum of understanding (MoU), aims to bring new agricultural technologies and practices to local communities.
The signing event took place on Friday at the Busoga Kingdom headquarters in Jinja City, specifically in the Busoga Lukiiko hall. Alex Luganda, the Kingdom’s Constitutional Affairs Minister, signed the MoU on behalf of the kingdom. NARO’s Director General, Dr. Yona Baguma, signed for NARO. Also present were Busoga Kingdom’s Agriculture Minister Sam Nkenga and Dr. Nasser Kasozi, the director of research at Buginyanya Zonal Agriculture Research and Development Institute.
Luganda highlighted that this partnership would greatly enhance agricultural support for the local people. He emphasized that it would help with research, innovation, and building capacity in the community, which would benefit them for many years to come.
“The MoU aims to boost agriculture by conducting research in the 11 chiefdoms of Busoga, identifying soil types and the best crops for each area, and introducing advanced farming technology,” said Luganda.
Agriculture is the backbone of Busoga’s economy, but the region faces significant challenges. Luganda noted that food insecurity is a major problem because traditional crops are not producing enough to meet needs. Additionally, land fragmentation has made farming difficult. He encouraged people to make the most of their land for both commercial and subsistence farming.
“The MoU is designed to increase agricultural production in Busoga, targeting all people, including those in villages who struggle with poverty and food scarcity,” Luganda explained.
To reach more people, the kingdom plans to use its traditional chiefs and clan systems. Edward Munaaba, the Minister of General Duties in the Prime Minister’s Office of Busoga, mentioned that the kingdom’s prime minister, Dr. Joseph Muvawala, has offered 20 acres of his land in Buyende district for NARO to set up a demonstration site. This site will showcase new farming methods and technologies.
Nkenga added that the MoU includes plans to establish agricultural training sites in every chiefdom. These sites will help farmers learn and adopt new technologies to improve their crop yields.
The next step involves NARO staff working closely with farmers to identify the best crops and farming practices for each area. Dr. Baguma of NARO believes this partnership will greatly benefit the people of Busoga, helping them produce enough food of good quality.
Baguma also suggested that the Queen of Busoga, known as the Inhebantu, become an ambassador for NARO’s technologies in the kingdom. He believes her influence could significantly boost household productivity. Additionally, he proposed that the Kyabazinga of Busoga declare an annual Climate Change Environment Day to emphasize the importance of sustainable practices.
This partnership aligns with President Yoweri Museveni’s directives on wealth creation through agriculture, particularly the implementation of the four-acre model.
