The Rotary Club of the Source of the Nile in Jinja has taken a significant step in promoting agriculture by generously donating a brand new tractor and other agricultural equipment to 200 farmers in Mayuge district. The initiative, under the umbrella of the “Buwerere Agricultural Skilling Initiative,” aims to enhance the skills and productivity of local farmers in the Buwerere village, Mbirabila parish, Bukatube subcounty.
The group of determined farmers, operating on 200 acres of land generously donated by Rays of Africa International, is now equipped with modern agricultural machinery and knowledge. In addition to receiving the much-needed equipment, the farmers underwent training on contemporary farming methods, incorporating the use of machines, fertilizers, and other essential practices to strengthen their skills in the agricultural sector.
Nelson Woira Kyagera, the project leader from Rotary, highlighted the significance of empowering local farmers and disclosed future plans to educate them on savings and cooperation associations. The goal is to guide farmers on how to secure and manage their earnings from agricultural products.
Woira emphasized the Rotary Club’s commitment to serving local communities, citing past projects such as the drilling of boreholes in 2019 and support for Mayuge Health Centre IV and Buluba Hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pastor Godfrey Wanamitsa, the director of Rays Africa International, praised the Rotary Club’s contribution, acknowledging the positive impact it would have on the quality and quantity of farm yields. Wanamitsa applauded district authorities and locals for embracing the proactive agricultural ideology suggested by his organization.
Presiding over the event, Mr. Peter Tasiibula Nkwanga, the vice-chairperson of Local Council five (LC 5) of Mayuge district, emphasized the importance of agriculture as the backbone of Africa. He urged farmers to implement the skills and knowledge received to benefit from agriculture, highlighting the abundance of fertile soils and available market for agricultural products.
Georgina Tumusiime, the president of the Source of the Nile Rotary Club, assured that farmers would be monitored to assess their progress, and plans are underway to procure additional machinery to address potential challenges.
Harriet Nakilanda, a beneficiary of the initiative, expressed confidence that the abundance of agricultural products would provide funds for school fees, addressing the challenges of using hand hoes and ushering in a more efficient and productive era for local farmers.
The Rotary Club’s agricultural empowerment initiative in Mayuge district signifies a transformative effort to boost the local farming community. With the provision of a new tractor and ongoing support, the project aligns with the club’s theme of empowering both the boy and girl child, fostering positive change in Uganda’s agricultural landscape.
