The Busoga Kingdom has warned selfish individuals against trying to take over the land where the famous Jinja show ground is located at the source of the Nile.
The Kingdom Prime Minister, Dr. Joseph Muvawala, gave a strong warning during the closing of the third national agriculture educational show on Saturday. Dr. Muvawala, who was very angry despite being the chief guest, said that anyone planning to take the show ground land would regret it and should proceed at their own risk.
“I have done my duty as the Katukiro to ensure this show remains here. We are not asking, we are demanding for the show to stay in Jinja. I want to assure everyone that the show will stay in Jinja. This is not about politics,” he stated.
“There are plans by some individuals to take this land. How can they grab it? Does it belong to them? When did it become theirs? Let me make it clear, touching this land is at their own risk,” Dr. Muvawala emphasized.
Dr. Muvawala, who is also the Executive Director of the National Planning Authority, said he is ready to lead residents in protests against the theft of the land. He claimed that some authorities are taking advantage of the fact that the Uganda National Farmers Federation (UNFFE) has not paid the ground rent.
“The protests in Kenya will be nothing compared to what will happen here if they try to take this land. I will lead my people to protect it. We know those trying to take it, but they won’t outsmart us,” he warned.
On June 11, 2024, Jinja city woman lawmaker Manjeri Kyebakutika led residents in a petition against moving the agricultural show to Bukalasa, Luwero district. The protests led the First Lady and Minister for Education and Sports, Janet Museveni, to order that the show remains in Jinja.
Dr. Muvawala praised the First Lady for her decision, saying his efforts included many calls to ensure the show was held in Busoga.
Dr. Muvawala also expressed concerns about the National Agriculture Research Organization (NARO) ignoring sugarcane growing in Busoga. He believes sugarcane could transform the lives of people in Busoga.
“You say sugarcane can’t help us, yet you keep giving us sugarcane mills. We now have twelve. Busoga will continue growing sugarcane because you still give us factories. NARO has ignored us and keeps saying we are poor,” he said.
The Katikiro emphasized the importance of agriculture and encouraged young people to engage in this vital sector. He highlighted the need to give opportunities to the youth, as they are the leaders of the future.
Meanwhile, the president of UNFFE, Dr. Dick Kamuganga, who was represented by the secretary general, denied claims that farmers sold the Jinja show land to investors. He assured that the land was not for sale and that the show would continue to be held there.
“By promoting, attracting, and retaining young people in agriculture, we are building a more prosperous and self-sufficient Uganda. Our youth are not just the future; they are the present, driving change and leading the way towards agricultural modernization and sustainability,” he said.
The third edition of the agricultural education show started on Monday, June 24, and officially closed on Saturday, June 29, 2024. The theme was “Young Innovations Transforming Agriculture for National Prosperity.”
Several schools from across the country participated in the show, with some students exhibiting their work alongside experienced farmers who shared their knowledge with the young participants.
