President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has encouraged residents of Budaka District to take inspiration from the district’s thriving farmers, highlighting the achievements of Mr. Kirya Mulonde, a model farmer in Kilara Village, Kamonkoli Parish.
During his visit to Mr. Kirya’s farm, part of a zonal tour assessing the Parish Development Model (PDM) in the Bukedi sub-region, the President praised Mr. Kirya’s dedication to wealth creation through modern agricultural practices. Mr. Kirya’s five-acre farm hosts a diverse range of activities, including fish farming, poultry, piggery, and goat farming, showcasing the potential of small-scale farmers to achieve economic sustainability.
Using the Biblical parable of seeds sown on fertile soil, President Museveni likened Mr. Kirya’s efforts to those yielding a fruitful harvest. Impressed by Mr. Kirya’s annual earnings, the President encouraged Budaka and the entire Bukedi sub-region to follow his example of land-use innovation and sustainable farming.
The President specifically lauded Mr. Kirya’s fish farming techniques, which prioritize environmental preservation by locating ponds along swamp edges without disrupting the ecosystem. In recognition of Mr. Kirya’s eco-friendly practices, President Museveni announced that Mr. Kirya would serve as his consultant on fish farming, helping to promote environmentally responsible practices in agriculture.
To further support Mr. Kirya’s work, President Museveni pledged to provide a vehicle for market transport, a larger incubator to aid community poultry farming, and a feed-chopping machine to enhance farm productivity. He also committed financial support toward Mr. Kirya’s medical expenses, as the farmer has been diagnosed with throat cancer, impacting his work capacity.
Mr. Kirya’s farm generates substantial income, with 120 million Ugandan shillings annually from fish farming, resulting in a net profit of 45 million shillings; 65.5 million shillings from poultry, yielding a 20.2 million shilling profit; and 53.4 million shillings in profits from pig farming. Additionally, his goat and cattle ventures provide an extra profit of 6 million shillings annually.
Initially funded through a family SACCO and government assistance, Mr. Kirya’s farm has evolved into a vital training resource for local farmers, imparting modern agricultural skills and providing both permanent and casual employment opportunities within the community.
Mr. Kirya also discussed the challenges he faces, such as limited transportation, counterfeit animal products, inadequate funding for expansion, and a need for a larger hatchery and feed-processing machinery.
The Presidential tour included notable leaders, such as Vice President H.E. Jessica Alupo, Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs Hon. Jacob Oboth Oboth, and State Minister for Bunyoro Affairs Hon. Jenipher Namuyangu, all of whom commended Mr. Kirya’s accomplishments.
