Yesterday, Butebo District inhabitants were urged by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to make the most of their land in order to increase their economic success.

He spoke on Thursday (yesterday) at a rally at the Science, Technology, and Innovation Minister Dr. Monica Musenero’s thanksgiving event, which was held at Petete Primary School in the Butebo District.

In Oladot village, Kadesok Parish, Opwateta Sub-county, Kibale County, Pallisa District, the President made his first stop. There, he formally opened Lukonge Cotton Company Limited, a business that produces cassava starch.

President Museveni emphasized that local cassava starch manufacturing will lower import costs and bolster Uganda’s pharmaceutical industry, promoting sustainable economic growth, according to a statement from State House.

Additionally, President Museveni emphasized that generating cassava starch domestically will boost Uganda’s pharmaceutical industry, promote economic sustainability, and lower import costs.

Due to Uganda’s historical reliance on imported starch for the production of pharmaceuticals, import costs have been considerable.

Leaders noted that this manufacturer of cassava starch is a major step toward achieving starch production self-sufficiency, which is necessary for the production of medicines.

During a separate visit to Dr. Musenero’s residence in Kaberekeke village, Butebo District, the President examined the stock farm learning center, where local farmers showcased their use of small land areas for diverse farming practices.

He was given a briefing on the process of producing biogas for household use from cow manure and got to see demonstration calves.

In addition, he had a quick meeting with the Minister’s family and talked about socioeconomic advancement.

President Museveni voiced concerns about the underuse and abuse of the fertile land in the Butebo area during the gathering.

He made reference to his visit to the cassava processing center when he said, “This is a very rich area; you can see how God arranged it.”

The President did draw attention to the fact that many of the local farmers, especially those who cultivate rice in the valleys, are mismanaging their property.

He urged for a change to more profitable and sustainable farming practices, like irrigation and the utilization of valuable resources, and condemned this as an abuse of those resources of fertilisers.

He gave encouraging examples from the Pallisa District, where it has been shown that fish farming by the edges of marshes is significantly more profitable than rice growing.

“Farmers can greatly increase their income by irrigating dry land, fish farming, and swamp restoration,” the speaker stated.

The President also urged locals to adopt diversified agriculture, which includes raising chickens and dairy products in addition to lucrative crops like cocoa and coffee.

He talked about the frequent practice of land fragmentation, which he says lowers agricultural production.

Instead of splitting up the family land once the head of the family passed away, the President suggested that families establish family businesses to manage it jointly.

“Don’t divide up the family’s belongings if the patriarch dies. Rather, establish a family business, collaborate, and divide earnings. In this manner, you can accumulate wealth and eventually purchase real estate,” he suggested.

He mentioned the Musenero family, who restructure their 70-acre farm to develop dairy cattle pasture, coffee, and cocoa.

God blessed me with good news this morning from Dr. Musenero’s family: her uncles have decided to pool their family’s land and establish a family business. They intend to cultivate grass for dairy animals, coffee, and cocoa,” he continued.

“You will be extremely rich if you do this,” he assured, highlighting the long-term advantages of sustainable land use.

Dr. Musenero is praised:

Additionally, President Museveni gave a first-hand narrative of his meeting with Dr. Musenero, a veterinarian who is well-known for her efforts to battle zoonotic illnesses.

He described how he got to meet Dr. Musenero in the midst of the Kibaale District Ebola outbreak.

“Due to the high death rate at the time, even doctors were hesitant to go into the affected area, but Dr. Musenero and her team courageously stepped in to fight the outbreak,” he said.

President Museveni was impressed by her commitment and knowledge, and he finally invited her to join his advisory council.

He urged youth to be inspired by Dr. Musenero’s example, saying, “Her dedication to helping others is proof of the benefits of selfless service.” God works for you if you serve the people.

Vice President Jessica Alupo thanked the people of Butebo for their steadfast support of President Museveni and the National Resistance Movement (NRM).

“We appreciate your unwavering support for the NRM and President Museveni. As we endeavor to further the development of our country, kindly continue to support the NRM,” she urged.

She also expressed her gratitude to Minister Musenero for showing off the government’s strategy for innovation, science, and technology and for inviting her to the occasion.

During the ceremony of thanksgiving, Dr. Musenero conveyed her sincere gratitude to President Museveni and the people of Butebo.

“We are extremely honored that you accepted the invitation from the people of this small village, town, and community, Your Excellency the President,” she remarked.

Dr. Musenero emphasized the significance of this event as a chance to consider all the benefits the community has received under President Museveni’s direction.

“We show our gratitude and treasure this custom because it helps us recognize the obstacles we’ve surmounted and the advancements we’ve accomplished,” she continued.

The Minister went on to express her sincere thankfulness to God for leading them during their trying times.

“We persisted in the face of difficulties. We express our gratitude and admiration today,” she said.

Dr. Musenero emphasized the transformative force of research while acknowledging the contribution of scientists to Uganda’s growth. She mentioned that instruments created by the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation can quickly transform communities.

“Science needs to be transformative in order to be effective. We now possess the means to quickly effect major change,” she continued.

Lastly, Dr. Musenero urged the residents of Butebo District and the Bukedi region as a whole to unite.

“Let’s collaborate and stay unified. Thank you so much, you and the NRM administration. The individuals are happy with all the programs, including Emyooga and the Parish Development Model (PDM),” she concluded.

The Butebo Constituency Member of Parliament, Patrick Mutono Lodoi, also expressed his appreciation to President Museveni for his unwavering support and the development projects that have completely changed the Butebo Constituency and the surrounding area.

He applauded the government’s National Resistance Movement for a number of initiatives that have substantially helped the populace, including Emyooga and the Parish Development Model.

With the words, “We thank you for expanding our Health Centre IV through the efforts of the UPDF Engineering brigade,” the MP expressed gratitude to the government for its efforts in developing Butebo’s medical infrastructure.

President Yoweri Museveni formally introduced the Bukedi Sub-Region Accelerated Wealth Creation Program, which is scheduled to operate from 2024 to 2040, at the conclusion of the event.

The entire goal of the Bukedi Sub-Region Accelerated Wealth Creation Program is to improve the socioeconomic standing of the local populace. The initiative aims to make Bukedi an affluent and self-sufficient region by 2040 by concentrating on important areas such infrastructure development, industrialization, agriculture, and human capital augmentation.

Religious and cultural figures were among the eminent members of parliament who attended the occasion.