Buvuma – Mr Edward Mubiru, a hardworking farmer from Meru Cell in Buvuma Town Council, Buvuma District, has attributed his remarkable transformation to the peace and development ushered in by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s leadership.
Once a fisherman, Mr Mubiru has built a thriving agricultural enterprise spanning 50 acres, thanks to the stability and support of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government. He reflected on his journey from his modest home, which he described as a testament to the power of peace and opportunity.
“I thank President Museveni for the peace in this country. Without it, I wouldn’t be where I am today. His wise leadership and programmes like NAADS and Operation Wealth Creation have given many of us purpose. He truly cares about lifting Ugandans out of poverty,” Mr. Mubiru said.
He shared these sentiments during President Museveni’s visit to his home, marking the start of the President’s countrywide assessment tour of the Parish Development Model (PDM) in the Greater Mukono region.
In 2000, Mr. Mubiru transitioned from fishing to farming, investing savings from his fishing days into five acres of land where he began growing bananas, supported by seedlings from the National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS). This decision marked the beginning of his transformation.
By 2007, inspired by his uncle, Mr. Mubiru diversified into coffee farming. The income from coffee enabled him to acquire more land, gradually expanding his enterprise. Today, he grows coffee, bananas, cassava, maize, palm oil, and pasture. His success in crop production also allowed him to venture into dairy farming—he now owns 25 cows and employs seven workers.
“The money I earned from coffee enabled me to invest in cows. I now sell milk daily. Farming has made me self-reliant,” he said.
At the peak of his coffee yields in 2013, Mr. Mubiru harvested up to 40 bags per season. However, the outbreak of coffee wilt disease reduced his output to about 24 bags in the first season and 14 in the second. Nonetheless, he continues to earn approximately Shs 18 million annually from the crop.
In 2023, the government, through Operation Wealth Creation, supported him with disease-resistant clonal coffee seedlings and irrigation equipment. “Even with setbacks, I’ve remained focused. With continued government support and better seedlings, I’m optimistic,” he added.
His dairy enterprise brings in about Shs 2.4 million monthly, with a net annual income of Shs 7 million. Combined with crop earnings, Mr. Mubiru estimates his total net income at Shs 30 to 34 million per year.
Most importantly, he says, the peace and economic empowerment have enabled him to educate all seven of his children—three in private schools and four in government institutions. “I’m proud of who I’ve become, thanks to President Museveni. From fishing to farming, my life is proof that peace, opportunity, and hard work can lift anyone,” he said.
President Museveni Praises Mubiru’s Example
During the visit, President Museveni commended Mr Mubiru for heeding the government’s call to shift from the overburdened fishing industry to sustainable land-based enterprises. “I’m happy to meet the rich Mubiru,” the President said lightheartedly. “He listened to our message of wealth creation, used the NAADS support wisely, and diversified into coffee and dairy.”
The President noted that Mr Mubiru currently produces 80 litres of milk daily and emphasised that his achievements exemplify what is possible when government initiatives align with personal commitment. “With better pastures like Chloris gayana and Brachiaria, he can even boost his milk yield further,” the President advised.
President Museveni also highlighted the government’s continued support for the palm oil project in the region, pledging to finance machinery and work with investors and outgrowers to scale production to 7,000 hectares.
Call for Sustainable Fishing and Diversification
Addressing the challenges of overfishing in Lake Victoria, the President called for more responsible and regulated practices. “We introduced fishing licenses to prevent overcrowding and protect our lakes. Mubiru is a great example of someone who evolved from fishing to farming. Let only disciplined and serious people remain in fishing while others pursue alternative livelihoods,” he urged.
As further support, President Museveni gifted Mr Mubiru Shs 12 million to purchase a tuk-tuk to ease his farm transport needs.
Agriculture Ministry Urges Farmers to Adopt Improved Practices
The Minister of State for Agriculture, Hon. Fred Bwino Kyakulaga, advised farmers in Buvuma and across the country to adopt improved pasture varieties to enhance livestock productivity. He specifically encouraged Mr Mubiru to focus on modern pasture management to increase milk yields and animal health. “Pastures like Chloris gayana and Brachiaria are ideal for this region,” the Minister said.
The event was attended by Hon. Diana Mutasingwa, Minister of State in the Office of the Vice President and Woman MP for Buikwe District, along with other local leaders and PDM beneficiaries from across Greater Mukono, which comprises the districts of Mukono, Kayunga, Buikwe, and Buvuma.
