By Peter Abaanabasazi
Leaders in the Bunyoro region have encouraged small-scale farmers to adopt the four-acre model of farming to eradicate poverty and transition to a money economy.
The four-acre model involves diversifying land use: one acre for coffee cultivation, one for fruit trees, another for food crops (household consumption) and one for pasture for livestock.
The call was made by state minister for works Fred Byamukama while addressing resident district commissioners (RDCs) and their deputies in preparation for the launch of the four-acre model programme by President Yoweri Museveni on Friday at Kikwaya village, Narweyo sub-county in Kakumiro district.
The first phase will include Kikuube, Kakumiro, Kibaale, and Kagadi districts, where the President will visit successful farmers and educate the public on utilising their land for wealth creation.
Byamukama emphasised the crucial role of leaders in transforming their communities socially and economically.
He pointed out that despite the region’s fertile land, it remains underutilised.
Byamukama believes that with government programmes like the Parish Development Model and Emyooga, farmers can invest in the four-acre model and prosper, as promoted by the President for the past four years.
“I have benefited from this model, cultivating coffee, bananas and poultry, and I urge you to follow suit,” he said.
Do not politicise programme
Byamukama said mixing development activities with politics has historically undermined government initiatives, and should be avoided.
What leaders say
Maj. Martha Asiimwe, the head of the resident district commissioner (RDC) secretariat, urged RDCs and their deputies to prioritise this programme, emphasising the President’s commitment.
She noted that attempts to sabotage the programme would be dealt with severely. Maj. David Matovu, the Kakumiro RDC, praised President Museveni’s initiative as a potential catalyst for the social and economic transformation of Bunyoro’s people.
He called for a mindset change campaign to ensure local appreciation and participation in the four-acre model programme.
Matovu pointed out that previous government programmes failed due to poor mindsets, where beneficiaries misused resources.
Michael Kyakashari, the deputy RDC for Hoima district, emphasised the need to involve and activate extension workers who should provide technical guidance to farmers.
Kikuube RDC Amlan Tumusiime said the four-acre model is a solution to poverty and food insecurity.
He criticised the shift from food and coffee crops to sugarcane farming, urging small landholders to embrace the model and leave sugarcane cultivation to those with larger land areas.
LEAD PHOTO CAPTION: Matovu (left) welcoming Byamukama to a meeting where he addressed resident district commissioners and their deputies last Thursday at Resort Hotel in Hoima town. Right is Kibaale RDC Godwin Angalia Kasigwa. Photo by Peter Abaanabasazi
