President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Wednesday September 25, 2024, met with The Rt. Rev. John Okude Omuse, the Bishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya-Diocese of Katakwa.
The Bishop who was in the company of his wife Mrs. Grace Nanjala and other clergy, was led by H.E. Jessica Alupo, the Vice President of Uganda at State Lodge, Nakasero.
During the meeting, President Museveni shared insights on wealth creation and the successful practices Uganda has employed to transition its citizens from subsistence farming to active participation in the money economy.
“When we came into power, cotton was the main cash crop among the Itesots here in Uganda. I advised them that they needed to shift from that because it wasn’t logical for some households to have small pieces of land and grow cotton. I told them they need to grow fruits like mangoes, pineapples, and oranges.”
He highlighted that the adoption of these crops, along with cotton and poultry farming has led to better livelihoods in Uganda.
“This ekibaro requirement (calculation) forces us to distinguish between intensive agriculture (okukolera awafunda – working using small acreage) and extensive agriculture (using medium size or large-scale pieces of land). In the former, I have advised you since 1995, to only go for high-value activities from which you can get good money even if you do them on a small scale,” he added.
President Museveni identified seven key enterprises for the delegation to consider when carrying out commercial agriculture. These include coffee; fruits, especially mangoes, oranges, pineapples, apples, and grapes; zero-grazing dairy farming; fish-farming; poultry for eggs; piggery; and homestead food crops cassava, bananas, etc.
“People who have listened to this message are doing well,” he noted.
President Museveni also addressed the need for free trade in foodstuffs explaining that this will create prosperity among the people of East Africa.
“It would prevent issues of scarcity of food in one country when there is plenty in another,” he noted.
“Rationality cannot be ignored indefinitely. We shall continue discussing with our EAC Partners, and I am sure we shall end up with a real common market, free of non-tariff barriers because those barriers hurt the wanainchi of all our countries.”
On the religion part, the President informed the Bishop that Scripture Union’s belief that divine intervention alone could sustain individuals is not right.
“I don’t agree with the notion that God will provide for those who do not work. As a religious leader, you must exemplify the values you teach,” he said.
“If you are poor and struggling, what message does that send to your community? A body that is hungry and sick cannot truly embody the temple of God.”
President Museveni therefore underscored the importance of self-reliance and responsibility, arguing that faith must be accompanied by diligent effort to foster both individual and community development.
On the other hand, Bishop Okude expressed his gratitude to President Museveni for his visionary leadership.
“Your Excellency, you are the father of our region, East Africa. We can’t commend you enough for your continuous dedication and support you render to your fellow leaders and us the citizens,” he said.
However, the bishop highlighted the pressing agricultural challenges facing the Iteso community in Katakwa.
“The limited cash crops and ineffective agricultural practices are severely hindering economic growth in our region,” he stated.
“Little agricultural activity is taking place among the Itesots, and this is detrimental to their economic well-being.”
Bishop Okude warned that the lack of robust agricultural practices is taking a toll on the community, leaving them unable to benefit from agriculture as they should.
“Therefore, Your Excellency, I am happy to hear from you about your adverse knowledge and wisdom on wealth creation and value addition in agriculture.”
It should be noted that Iteso Clan groups are both in Uganda and Kenya.
In Kenya, the Iteso people live in Western Province- Busia County whereas in Uganda they live in the Eastern Region.