The Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda, Rt Hon Thomas Tayebwa, has urged religious leaders from Kigezi Sub-region to champion modern farming as a tool for economic transformation and sustainable livelihoods.
Tayebwa made the call during a learning tour with religious leaders at Kana Farm in Rwengaju Sub county, Fort Portal City on Monday.
The 1.3-acre model farm, owned by renowned farmer Nyakana Richard, earns a net income of Shs 17.2 million per month and employs 15 people, showcasing how small pieces of land can be maximised for agro-industrialisation and socio-economic growth.
Tayebwa said Uganda’s vision of growing the economy to USD 500 billion by 2040 hinges on agro-industrialisation, which must be built on proper farming practices, especially in densely populated regions like Kigezi.
He noted that religious leaders are strategic allies in this journey because of the influence they command in communities.
“Religion remains one of the strongest pillars of national development,” Tayebwa said, expressing hope that after the exposure visit, the clerics would return to their communities to “spread the gospel” of good farming practices from the pulpit and start model projects in churches and schools under their care.
He added that investing in agriculture is one of the best ways for religious institutions to become financially sustainable by generating their own income instead of relying solely on tithes.
The tour followed an meeting between President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and religious leaders from Kigezi, during which the President urged them to become ambassadors of economic transformation.
Tayebwa commended the leaders for dedicating time to learn about farming, saying their participation showed genuine commitment to uplifting their congregations economically.
The Deputy Speaker and the delegation are today (Tuesday) expected to proceed to a four-acre model farm owned by Minister of State for Works and Transport, Hon Fred Byamukama in Kakumiro District, where they will also hold an interaction on service delivery with the Prime Minister, Rt Hon Robinah Nabbanja.
