Presiding over the inaugural Busia Local Government Agricultural Show at Masafu Play Grounds, Oundo emphasized that shifting from subsistence farming to modern agribusiness is central to the NRM government’s socio-economic transformation agenda.
“I am humbled by the fact that you found it befitting to invite me to grace this auspicious occasion as the Chief Guest,” she said, while commending the District Local Government leadership and technical staff for organizing the landmark event.
She also thanked strategic partners including Obwenengo Bwa Bugwe, the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, financial institutions such as Equity Bank, Centenary Bank, and others, as well as Busitema University and Malwire Technical Institute.
Progress and remaining challenges, Oundo highlighted significant achievements under various government livelihood programs, including NAADS, Operation Wealth Creation, Parish Development Model (PDM), and Emyooga. These interventions, she noted, have reduced the proportion of households in the subsistence economy from 68% in 2013 to about 30% today.
“The NRM Party espouses Social Economic Transformation as one of its core values,” she said. “Government targets to close this gap in the next five years.”However, she stressed that much more needs to be done, particularly in applying technology and innovation — including mechanization, irrigation, and value addition — to boost productivity and sustainability.
This focus aligns perfectly with the theme of the agricultural show, she added.Key observations for Busia farmersThe NRM treasurer made several pointed observations tailored to Busia’s realities:Land fragmentation crisis: Average household landholding in the district is critically small — less than 2 acres, compared to the national average of about 3.2 acres.
Rapid population growth has led to severe subdivision of family land. She discouraged this practice and urged families to hold land jointly and pursue shared commercial ventures.
Maximizing output on small plots: Farmers must adopt irrigation, fertilizers, improved seeds, better farm structures, and commercial animal feed production instead of free-range methods.
Collective action: Farmers should form groups and cooperatives to access funding, shared machinery like tractors, and extension services. “A shared vision attracts trust,” she noted.
Climate resilience: Innovation, especially irrigation and climate-smart crop varieties, will help mitigate the effects of climate change and enable multiple cropping seasons.
Labor shortages: Technology can offset the impact of rural-to-urban migration, which is reducing available agricultural labor while improving efficiency.
Market opportunities: Growing urban populations and an expanding middle class create ready markets that demand higher production and yields.
Value addition: The greatest opportunity for profit lies in processing and moving up the agricultural value chain.
Oundo encouraged farmers to take advantage of government financing products offered through banks present at the show and urged financial institutions to intensify sensitization efforts.
She concluded by congratulating Busia District for organizing the show, describing it as a clear sign that the district is ready for the next stage of agricultural transformation.
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