By Francis Emorut
The small-scale farmers from northern Uganda have decried being left out in the economic development of the country and called for mechanisation of agriculture.
They argued that citizens are not being sensitised on the government’s programmes and areas of investment to increase household income.
The small-scale farmers observed this during the first bi-annual presidential chief executive forum retreat at Kampala Serena Hotel recently.
They were irked when they saw that most of the locally made products at the exhibition were not from northern Uganda.
“We are being left out by the local political leaders and government officials from the central because the exhibition does not compromise the items from West Nile. Bring us on board so that we don’t remain backward,” Christine Ayokuru, the chairperson of women leaders in Arua said.
She was supported by the former LC5 chairman of Kabong district, Mark Obubu, who said people in Karamoja are using rudimental tools for farming wondering how they shall join commercial agriculture with the outdated farming equipment.
Obubu called for the mechanization of agriculture if people in northern Uganda were to realize economic growth and join the market economy.
Andrew Ewala, a farmer from Apac observed that agricultural transformation requires a conducive environment and, therefore, mass production can only happen when the locals are using advanced agricultural equipment like tractors.
Ewala appealed to the top management of the Presidential CEO Forum to organize small-scale farmers and equip them with modern technology.
“People in Lango are still poor. They are using ox-ploughs and hand hoes. How do you expect them to join commercial farming with such rudimental tools?” Ewala asked.
Responding to the remarks of speakers from northern Uganda, the coordinator of the Presidential CEO Forum, Irene Birungi commended the farmers, saying her administration will ensure that farmers in the northern region be brought on board to spur the economic development of the country.
During the forum retreat, the exhibition was held as some entrepreneurs showed locally made products ranging from honey, and shea butter, to handbags.
LEAD PHOTO CAPTION: Exhibitors displaying cassava, rice and beans products during the Presidential CEO Forum at Kampala Serena Hotel.
