NRM CEC Unveils Parish as Focal Point to Transform Smallholder Farming

The Central Executive Committee (CEC) of the ruling party, National Resistance Movement (NRM) has unveiled a new system in which livelihoods of an estimated 68% farmers still practicing subsistence farming could be uplifted.

The decision was reached on Monday during the ongoing CEC retreat at Chobe Safari Lodge in Nwoya district, presided over by NRM National Chairperson, President Yoweri Museveni.

After two days of deliberation on the economy, CEC has resolved to use parishes as the focal point to transform Uganda’s enclave economy and that the entire process shall be guided by the national leadership.

Under the new system, a number of elements shall be established at the parish level that will include a store, technical services, irrigation efforts and fertilizer distribution among others.

According to NRM’s communications officer, Rodgers Mulindwa, there will be minimum academic qualifications for officials who will preside over all activities at this stage.

“The parish chief shall coordinate these activities. The administration and technical staff at this level shall posses a Diploma as the minimum academic qualification,” Mulindwa said in a statement.

“The officers at the sub-county level shall be degree holders, qualified in Crop and Animal Husbandry,” he adds.

He says that government will initially give credit focusing on Coffee, Maize, Cocoa, Citrus and Vanilla among others.

On banking and financial services, CEC resolved that centres shall be located at the district, and made available at the Parish.

Also, CEC adopted the equivalent of the Guilds (in England) of groups of producers around specific activity which shall be the main target group or actors.

President Museveni called for the retreat to discuss four major issues which include ideology and strategy, economy, constitutional amendments and resource mobilisation.

The President will tomorrow discuss on ideology and strategy.

Meanwhile, the CEC Members yesterday visited Gulu Dairy Farm in Gulu Municipality owned by 39-year-old Tonny Kidega and Bukona Agro Prcessors in Lapem, Nwoya District operated by Indian investors.