Bundibugyo — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has lauded the people of Bundibugyo District for their initiative and self-mobilisation in embracing profitable agricultural ventures, particularly cocoa and palm oil, without waiting for direct government intervention.
“I’m very happy with Bundibugyo; they sort of self-educated themselves,” President Museveni said during a visit on Monday to the farm of Mr Bernard Kacuro, a model farmer based in Kanyantuwa Cell, Nyawungu Ward, Buganikere Town Council, Bwamba County.
The President highlighted that, unlike other regions where the National Resistance Movement (NRM) rolled out a program introducing seven strategic agricultural enterprises, such as coffee, fruits, poultry, and dairy, Bundibugyo residents independently adopted cocoa and palm oil farming by learning from neighbouring communities in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“They didn’t burden us. They taught themselves. Here, they copied cocoa from Congo. Even before the government focused on it, they were already practising it,” Museveni remarked.
He commended the district’s progress, especially in rural areas far removed from urban hubs. “Even those in remote areas are building good houses. This is a challenge to people in more advantaged locations near major towns with easy market access,” he said.
Museveni noted that the NRM government has prioritised infrastructure, such as roads and electricity and now plans to improve access to clean water in the district.
Mr. Kacuro’s success story served as a shining example during the visit. With 15 acres under cultivation—12 of cocoa and three of palm oil—Kacuro earns an estimated Shs 430 million annually. “In cocoa alone, he earns Shs 60 million per season. That’s a big investment,” the President said.
In addition to his plantation, Kacuro has ventured into fish farming. Museveni pledged to instruct the Ministry of Agriculture to support him with fingerlings and technical assistance. He also committed to providing a Fuso truck and Shs 12 million to bolster Kacuro’s dairy farming efforts, along with solar dryers for local cocoa cooperatives.
Looking ahead, Museveni revealed plans for value addition in cocoa through a government-run factory under the Uganda Development Corporation (UDC). “I initially engaged the private sector in cocoa processing, but it didn’t go far. Now we’ll involve UDC to produce chocolate. We already have the milk and sugar,” he noted.
The President also emphasised that peace has been a cornerstone of economic progress in Bundibugyo, referencing the district’s proximity to the volatile DRC border.
“You know what the ADF was doing. At some point, they were even harvesting cocoa from the Congolese side. But now, we have defeated them, and you are at peace. That peace supports your progress,” Museveni stated.
Mr. Kacuro, in turn, thanked President Museveni for creating a stable environment conducive to business growth and rural prosperity.
Also present at the event were Minister of ICT and National Guidance Dr Chris Baryomunsi, local government officials, and beneficiaries of the Parish Development Model (PDM), underscoring the government’s continued engagement with grassroots transformation.