HOIMA, October 22, 2025 – The Senior Production Officer of Hoima District, Dr Kajura Charles, has raised concerns over the critical shortage of agricultural extension workers needed to support farmers across the district.
Kajura revealed that while the Production Department is supposed to have 92 staff members [ both office-based and field personnel], the current number stands at only 22. Of the required 92, 12 should be based at the district level, while 80 should be deployed at sub-county level.
He made these remarks during the recent commissioning ceremony for two motorcycles and six motorised sprayer pumps, which were handed over to officials in the Production Department.
Kajura emphasised that the staffing gap is severely impacting the department’s efficiency, as the limited personnel are unable to adequately serve all farmers in the district. He appealed to the government to urgently address the issue.
Speaking about the motorcycles, Dr Kajura explained that they were purchased using funds from the Agricultural Extension Grant at a total cost of Shs 22 million, with each motorcycle costing Shs 11mln. One motorcycle has been allocated to District Veterinary Officer, and the other to Senior Agricultural Officer.
He said the motorcycles will enhance the monitoring and supervision of government programmes, particularly the PDM, and facilitate outreach to the programme beneficiaries for training purposes.
“We have established training centres for PDM beneficiaries in every parish, where they are equipped with skills in enterprise selection and financial management,” Kajura said.
“One of the motorcycles will be used specifically by our Senior Agricultural Officer to supervise PDM activities, especially at these training centres. As the financial year begins, we will soon select new beneficiaries. The first 50 to receive funding will undergo training at these centres, so we need reliable transport to monitor and ensure they are implementing the programme effectively.”
On the motorised sprayer pumps, Kajura stated that they were procured to enable extension workers to demonstrate the proper use of agrochemicals in the field. He expressed concern over the increasing misuse of agrochemicals by farmers, which is harming the environment and endangering pollinators, particularly bees.
Hoima District LCV Chairperson Uthaman Mugisha commended the Production Department for utilising limited resources efficiently to procure the motorcycles. He stressed the importance of agricultural extension workers actively engaging with farmers in the field to equip them with knowledge and skills that will help them improve productivity and maximise benefits from agriculture.
“Farmers frequently report that extension workers are not present on the ground, even though they face serious challenges like pests and diseases. While they receive training before accessing PDM funds, continuous support is essential to ensure that the money is invested in viable ventures that contribute to poverty alleviation,” Mugisha said.
Meanwhile, the Assistant Resident District Commissioner [RDC] Shafiq Ntuuyo urged the beneficiaries to use the motorcycles responsibly and ensure they serve their intended purpose.
“These motorcycles are not for personal enjoyment. They are meant to help officers reach farmers in remote areas and support them with vital farming skills,” Ntuuyo said.
https://thecooperator.news/hoima-butchers-celebrate-commissioning-of-shs5bln-slaughterhouse/
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