MASINDI, December 2, 2024: Farmers in the oil-rich Bunyoro Sub-region have launched a forum called the International Rural Rehabilitation and Shelter Development Organisation [IRRASHEDE International Organisation], aimed at uniting farmers across the districts that make up the subregion. The districts in Bunyoro include Buliisa, Hoima, Kagadi, Kakumiro, Kibaale, Kikuube, Kiryandongo, and Masindi.
The forum, which will partner with the Uganda Integrated Farmers Forum [UNAIFFO], was officially launched on Friday at Masindi Booma Grounds in Masindi Municipality by Ernest Kiiza, the former Minister for Bunyoro Affairs, who represented Agriculture Minister, Frank Tumwebaze.
According to Isingoma Zainab, Coordinator of IRRASHEDE International Organisation, the priority strategies of the forum include establishing a savings and credit scheme, promoting integrated scientific agriculture, advancing rural education, health and hygiene, environmental conservation, and developing and renovating rural shelters, among other objectives.
“Our goal is to unite as farmers so that we can have a common voice. We are involved in various enterprises, including poultry farming, dairy farming, and coffee growing. We are also participating in several programmes like the Parish Development Model (PDM), as many of our members have benefited from it,” Isingoma explained.
She added that they have different clusters in Hoima, Masindi, Kiryandongo, Kikuube, and even Mbale district in eastern Uganda.
“What we are asking for is government support in terms of value addition equipment. We are producing milk, coffee, maize, and other crops, but we sell them in their raw form, which limits our profits. We also need tractors to help us scale up our farming activities,” she appealed.
Hussein Birigenda, Coordinator of the Hoima Coffee and Dairy Cluster, stated that there are over 300 coffee farmers in his cluster, noting that their main challenge is the lack of value addition equipment.
Jonathan Kiiza, Chairperson of the Bulima Community Development Forum, shared that through the forum, farmers have learned how to make organic fertilisers from animal and human urine, cow dung, and chicken droppings.
“I no longer spend money on inorganic fertilisers because I make my own organic fertilisers, and they are very effective. The oil exploration companies operating in Bunyoro want food that is organically grown,” said Kiiza.
Vincent Businge, Senior Community Development Officer for Masindi District, expressed his commitment to supporting the new farmers’ forum.
“Many members of this forum already support the various government programmes aimed at alleviating household poverty. My hope is that you remain united and learn to bulk your produce to get better prices. Let us embrace cooperatives to eliminate middlemen. If you are united, you will receive the necessary support from the government,” Businge said.
Florence Asiimwe, the Woman Member of Parliament for Masindi District, pledged to lobby for value addition equipment for the farmers.
“Continue working together. This forum is the best place for everyone to get involved. Focus on value addition, but this can only be achieved if you produce on a large scale and remain united,” she advised.
While launching the forum, Ernest Kiiza commended the members of the new forum for the unity they had shown, emphasising that the future belongs to those who are well-organised.
He added, “Make sure to implement good agricultural practices, avoid poor post-harvest handling, and focus on quality if you want to attract good customers and secure good prices.”
Kiiza further encouraged forum members to adopt the four-acre model promoted by President Yoweri Museveni.
“Farmers with land should embrace coffee growing, fruit farming, and zero grazing. I assure you that the government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, will support you,” he added.
The launch of IRRASHEDE International Organisation was attended by over 400 farmers from Masindi, Kiryandongo, Kikuube, Hoima, and Mbale districts.
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