By Simon Peter Tumwine
The senior pastor of the Miracle Centre Cathedral, Robert Kayanja, has implored Ugandans to set up backyard gardens to improve food security and fight poverty.
He said prioritising agriculture would foster sustainable development.
“While I was home preparing a meal for my family, I was amused to learn that most of the garlic that Ugandans use is imported from China. Why can’t we grow our own food crops? Garlic takes about three months to mature.
“Why should we import food when we can plant it here?” Kayanja asked.
He said it is high time individual households prioritised the agriculture sector because it has the capacity to transform the country.
Kayanja made the remarks at the passing-out of 2,124 graduands in leadership and ministry at Rubaga Cathedral on Monday.
He said despite the government making agriculture a compulsory subject in schools, they have not done enough because what is taught in schools is so minimal and cannot impact the economy, but rather helps students to understand the environment and what is happening.
He commended Frank Tumwebaze, the agriculture minister, for promoting good agricultural practices and mechanisation in the country.
“Tumwebaze has distributed tractors to commercial farmers in various parts of the country, but he should not ignore the local farmers in the communities because they are the bedrock on which the country’s economy runs,” Kayanja said.
He suggested that if small-scale farmers grew coffee and maize, among other crops, the country would be food-secure.
He urged Ugandans to embrace Bible studies for the wisdom it offers in all aspects of life.
Kayanja, however, said for the Bible to be understood, it requires the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
He called for popularising of government programmes, such as the Parish Development Model and investment in agriculture, among others.
Edward Lubwama, the principal of Miracle Bible College, said they have trained church leaders from various districts in leadership skills, legal matters, scriptural interpretation, business and agriculture.
Lubwama said the three-week course was free of charge, adding that the leaders only met transport costs from their homes to the designated training centres in various districts across the country.
