Museveni cautions farmers against misuse of equipment

Kampala.

President Museveni has handed over farm implements to regions that were affected by wars but termed the give-away as “a suicidal” attempt towards revival.

“I have handed over this equipment but I do not know to whom ….it is a suicidal or pilot project [that may] perform or not but, when shall we have a programme that will work?” the President asked as he handed over the equipment at Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala at the weekend.

The equipment was given to districts in Bunyoro, Luweero Triangle, northern Uganda, and Karamoja sub-regions in a bid to increase agricultural output and household incomes of the residents.

The equipment that included 26 tractors, several ox-ploughs, grain milling, and brick-making machines, among others, are part of the several presidential pledges to the said regions.
The President said the machinery should be optimally used to increase household incomes.

Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda, Karamoja minister Janet Museveni, Agriculture state minister Vincent Ssempijja and several permanent secretaries attended the function on a drenched morning.

The President said his fears are traceable to tractors he gave sub-counties in Luweero Triangle after the bush war to improve the agricultural sector but “they (tractors) were used to carry sand for the chairmen”.

More tractors in offing
The President directed the ministry of Agriculture and the beneficiaries in the said regions to profitably and sustainably use the equipment, saying there is a plan to buy more tractors upon success of the pilot project.

The country has had many failed anti-poverty projects in the past including entandikwa, the National Agricultural Advisory Services, NUSAF and Prosperity for All, among others.

‘in safe hands’
Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda said the project will succeed as the equipment will be managed by different institutions, including the church, veteran organisations and cooperative organisations.

[email protected]