President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called on the residents of Budaka District to draw inspiration from the success story of local farmer Mr. Kirya Mulonde, whose modern farming techniques have transformed a modest five-acre farm into a thriving agricultural enterprise.
During a visit to Mr. Kirya’s farm in Kilara Village, Kamonkoli Parish, as part of his ongoing zonal tour to assess the progress of the Parish Development Model (PDM) in the Bukedi sub-region, President Museveni praised Kirya for his innovative approach to farming. From fish farming to poultry, piggery, and goat farming, Mr. Kirya’s diverse agricultural operations are not only profitable but also serve as a model of how small-scale farmers can create sustainable wealth.
“Just like the Biblical parable of the seeds sown in fertile soil, Mr. Kirya’s efforts have yielded abundant results,” President Museveni said, marvelling at the farmer’s success. “His farm is a clear example that with dedication and the right approach, anyone can succeed—even on just a small piece of land.”
A Model of Sustainable Farming
Mr. Kirya’s farm stands as a testament to the potential of modern farming practices. By utilizing every inch of his five-acre plot, he has built a diverse and highly productive operation. His fish farming venture, conducted along the edges of wetlands, has proved to be both environmentally sustainable and financially rewarding. The President took the opportunity to highlight how Mr. Kirya’s methods stand in stark contrast to practices that harm the environment, urging other farmers to adopt similar eco-friendly techniques.
The President was especially impressed with Mr. Kirya’s approach to fish farming, which takes advantage of the natural ecosystem while protecting the wetland from degradation. “We need more farmers like Kirya, who understand the balance between making a profit and protecting the environment,” President Museveni said. As a result, Mr. Kirya will now serve as a consultant to the President on sustainable fish farming practices.
Financial Support and Expansion
In recognition of Mr. Kirya’s achievements and to help him overcome some of the challenges he faces, President Museveni pledged several forms of support. This includes providing a vehicle to ease transportation of produce to markets, a larger incubator to expand his poultry business, and feed-chopping machinery to further enhance his farm’s productivity.
Mr. Kirya’s farm, which began with support from a family SACCO and government initiatives, now generates impressive returns. According to Mr. Kirya, his annual earnings from fish farming alone reach 120 million Ugandan shillings, with a profit of 45 million shillings after expenses. His poultry business brings in 65.5 million shillings annually, yielding a profit of 20.2 million shillings, while pig farming adds 53.4 million shillings to his yearly income. His goat and cattle enterprise contributes an additional 6 million shillings in profits each year.
Despite these successes, Mr. Kirya highlighted several challenges that still hinder his farm’s growth. Transport issues, counterfeit animal products, limited funding for farm expansion, and the need for more advanced machinery for feed processing and hatcheries were among the key concerns he raised.
A Community Catalyst
In addition to his personal success, Mr. Kirya’s farm has become a valuable resource for the local community. It serves as a training ground for other farmers, offering them a chance to learn modern agricultural techniques and improve their own livelihoods. The farm has also created both permanent and casual employment opportunities for local residents, contributing to the economic development of Budaka District.
President Museveni was accompanied by several high-ranking officials, including Vice President Jessica Alupo, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, and Minister of Defence Jacob Oboth Oboth, all of whom lauded Mr. Kirya’s achievements. The leaders expressed their commitment to supporting farmers like Kirya, who are playing a vital role in the country’s agricultural transformation.
“This is a perfect example of what can be achieved when farmers embrace innovation and modern techniques,” Vice President Alupo said, adding that the government remains committed to improving the livelihoods of Ugandans through initiatives like the PDM.
A Call to Action for Budaka
President Museveni’s visit to Mr. Kirya’s farm sends a strong message to the people of Budaka and the broader Bukedi region: success in farming is not just for the wealthy or large landholders—it is possible for anyone with the right mindset, commitment, and support. The President urged Budaka residents to follow Mr. Kirya’s example and take full advantage of the opportunities provided by the Parish Development Model to improve their own livelihoods.
“Budaka has the potential to be a leading agricultural hub in Uganda, and it is farmers like Mr. Kirya who are showing us the way,” President Museveni concluded. “If we all work together, we can transform this region and ensure that everyone benefits from Uganda’s economic growth.”
The visit to Budaka is part of President Museveni’s larger effort to assess the effectiveness of the PDM in rural communities, where agriculture remains the backbone of the economy. With more support for innovators like Mr. Kirya, the government hopes to inspire a new generation of farmers who will drive Uganda’s agricultural revolution forward.
