Tayebwa Urges Religious Leaders to Promote Modern Farming for National Growth

Editor Corporate NewsUpdated 2 hours Ago1 Mins read16

Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa has encouraged religious leaders to take a frontline role in promoting modern farming, saying their influence is essential as Uganda works toward building a stronger and more productive economy.

Speaking after a field visit with Kigezi faith leaders to Kana Farm in Fort Portal City, Tayebwa noted that the country can only achieve its long-term economic ambitions if communities embrace practical and profitable agricultural methods. “Our dream of a modern, competitive economy depends on how quickly households adopt better farming practices,” he said.

The delegation toured Mr. Richard Nyakana’s 1.3-acre farm, a compact but highly productive enterprise earning over UGX 17 million monthly. Tayebwa said the success of the farm demonstrates the power of efficiency over land size. “Mr. Nyakana’s work shows that transformation is possible even on small acreage when knowledge and planning are applied,” he remarked.

He added that religious leaders are well positioned to inspire this change because of the trust they hold within their communities. “When a religious leader demonstrates the benefits of modern farming, people listen, they learn, and they act,” Tayebwa said. He further encouraged churches and schools to set up model farms, arguing that agriculture can strengthen their financial sustainability.

Some of the religious leaders who took part in the tour expressed enthusiasm about the experience. One of them noted, “This visit has opened our eyes. We are returning home determined to establish demonstration projects and help our communities understand what is possible.”

Tayebwa reiterated that improving primary production is a key part of Uganda’s broader agro-industrialisation agenda, which aims to boost value addition and support the country’s economic targets for the coming decades. “Industry starts at the farm. Without reliable and high-quality raw materials, the rest of the value chain cannot grow,” he emphasized.

The team will continue their engagements with a visit to Hon. Byamukama’s four-acre model farm in Kakumiro, where they are expected to meet Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja for further discussions on service delivery and community transformation. Tayebwa said the initiative follows President Museveni’s call for religious leaders to be champions of economic progress across the country.