Rice farmers in Namutumba District are scheduled to experience a major shift in production following the successful introduction of a new high-yield WDE75 hybrid rice variety that demonstrats strong performance even under drought conditions.

The WDE75 hybrid rice variety was introduced by the Busoga Consortium for Development (BCD) earlier this year through the FAO China–Uganda South-South Cooperation Project Phase III to support smallholder farmers with improved, climate-resilient rice technologies.

In response to the impressive feedback from the pionner pilot farmers, the Director General of the BCD Dr. Mula Anthony revealed plans to scale up the pilot demostration during the next season attracting more interest from local farmers to participate.

Dr. Mula together with Ms. Xu Xiaoli (Cheery) Zoeve seed company, Busoga Kingdom Minister for Agriculture Owek. Samuel Nathan Nkenga, district leaders and officials from the China–Uganda FAO South-South Cooperation Programme witnessed the first harvest of the WDE75 hybrid rice variety during the field visit to Nawaibete Swamp along the Kibaale–Ivukula Road in Ivukula Sub-county, Namutumba District.

Speaking at the demonstration farm, Ms. Xu Xiaoli said the WDE75 variety had undergone testing by the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) and had proven to be one of the most promising rice varieties for farmers.

She explained that the variety combines high productivity with resilience, making it suitable for farmers looking to move from subsistence production to commercial rice farming.

“Based on the performance we are seeing, this variety has the potential to become one of the best rice varieties for farmers in the future, especially those intending to produce rice for commercial purposes,” Ms. Xu said. The rice variety is said to yield 3 times higher than the local paddy breed that is currently grown across Busoga.

Despite the prolonged drought during the previous growing season, the improved rice variety recorded significantly higher yields compared to the traditional rice varieties that farmers have grown for years. The performance has attracted neighbouring farmers who have visited the demonstration gardens to compare the new variety with their own varieties.

As a result, the demand for the new rice varriety WDE75 has shot up with more community farmers requesting to access the hybrid seeds.

Ivukula Sub-county Agricultural Officer Mugomba Iva said the new variety had demonstrated better resilience against harsh weather conditions compared to traditional rice varieties.

He said expanding the project would help increase rice production, improve household incomes and strengthen food security among farming communities.

One of the pioneer farmers, Steven Balikowa, said the demonstration plots had changed farmers’ views about improved seed.

“Farmers have been coming to these gardens to compare what they see here with what they have been growing. Many are now ready to adopt this improved rice variety because of its performance,” he said.

Speaking during the visit, BCD Director General Dr. Anthony Mula said BCD, together with the Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, FAO South-South Cooperation Programme, Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, and other partners, will expand the pilot project to reach 100 farmers, with each farmer cultivating one acre of WDE75 hybrid rice in the next season.

The Resident District Commissioner of Namutumba said Government would support the initiative and encouraged farmers to embrace improved agricultural technologies while following Government guidelines on sustainable wetland use.

Busoga Kingdom Minister for Agriculture Owek. Samuel Nathan Nkenga praised BCD and its Chinese partners for selecting Namutumba as a beneficiary of the project, saying the initiative directly supports farmers through improved agricultural technology.

“DG, we want to thank you and the Chinese partners for choosing Namutumba. You have saved us because this project is directly benefiting our farmers,” Owek. Nkenga said.

The introduction of WDE75 hybrid rice in Busoga is part of efforts to accelerate agricultural transformation under the region’s Vision 2030 agenda. BCD says the project complements other initiatives in soybean production, poultry development and soya milk feeding programmes being implemented in different districts across Busoga.

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The 4th Edition of Busoga Prayer Week 2026 was officially launched at the Civil Service College, Jinja, bringing together religious, cultural, political, and development leaders from across the Busoga Sub-region in a renewed call for unity, prayer, and collective action towards the region’s transformation.

The launch marked the official flag-off of preparations for Busoga Prayer Week 2026 which will take place from 21st–27th September 2026 under the theme:”Let Us Rise and Build Busoga” (Nehemiah 2:18).

The week-long programme will culminate in the Main Prayer Gathering on 27th September 2026 at the Mayuge District Headquarters where thousands of people from across Busoga and beyond are expected to gather in prayer for the region.

The 3rd Deputy Prime Minister of Uganda, Rt. Hon. Rukia Isanga Nakadama, officially flagged off Busoga Prayer Week 2026 and reaffirmed the Government of Uganda’s commitment to supporting the annual interfaith initiative.
She called upon leaders and communities across Busoga to embrace unity of purpose and use the Prayer Week as a platform to promote peace, development, improved livelihoods, and the realization of Busoga Vision 2030.

Responding to concerns raised by regional leaders regarding delayed infrastructure projects, Rt. Hon. Nakadama explained that some road projects had slowed due to ongoing efforts to eliminate corruption within the responsible ministry.

She assured participants that the Government remains committed to completing the projects and addressing the region’s infrastructure needs.

She further encouraged continued collaboration between government, religious institutions, cultural leaders, and local communities in driving Busoga’s socio-economic transformation.

Religious Leaders Emphasize Education

Speaking during the launch, Rt. Rev. Paul Hannington Suubi, Bishop of the East Busoga Diocese, described education as the cornerstone of Busoga’s transformation.

He urged parents to support learners in government schools particularly through school feeding programmes, emphasizing that “a hungry child cannot learn effectively.”
The Bishop encouraged parents not to be discouraged by criticism surrounding school feeding initiatives but instead view them as an investment in their children’s future.

He noted that Busoga’s aspiration of becoming Uganda’s model leading economy by 2030 depends on nurturing an educated, skilled, disciplined, and empowered generation.

Prayer and Development Must Go Together

Dr. Mula Anthony, Director General of the Busoga Consortium for Development (BCD), said the Prayer Week has grown into a strategic platform that combines spiritual renewal with practical development.

Quoting Nehemiah 2:18 — “So they said, ‘Let us rise up and build.’ Then they set their hands to this good work.” — Dr. Mula said the scripture perfectly reflects Busoga’s development agenda.

He explained that the Prayer Week theme aligns with BCD’s five-year strategic goal of transforming Busoga into a middle-income region by 2030 and positioning it as Uganda’s model economy in rural transformation.

According to Dr. Mula, meaningful socio-economic transformation cannot be achieved in isolation.

“It requires the alignment of spiritual guidance, administrative leadership, strategic planning, and active community participation. When our spiritual leaders stand hand in hand with civic leaders, local governments and government leadership, we create an unstoppable force for positive change.”

He said the launch meeting was convened to align leaders across Busoga ahead of the September gathering, mobilize communities, strengthen collaboration between faith communities and government institutions, encourage practical development actions, and prepare every district, sub-county, and parish to participate in Busoga Prayer Week 2026.

New Leadership to Coordinate Prayer Week

The meeting adopted several resolutions aimed at strengthening the coordination of Busoga Prayer Week.
Hon. Stephen Kisa Bakubalwayo, Member of Parliament for Luuka South and Chairperson of the Busoga Parliamentary Caucus who presented the key achivements of the past 5 years was appointed Chairperson of the 2026 Busoga Prayer Week Organising Committee.
He pledged his full committement for the success of the prayer week.

The committee will be deputized by Mr. Ziija David, LC V Chairperson of Mayuge District.

In accordance with the rotational leadership framework of the Busoga Inter-Religious Council, the meeting also resolved that Sheikh Dr. Hussein Bowa will be the lead Preacher at this year’s regional inter-faith gathering in Mayuge District on 27th September 2027.

Organising Committee Appreciates Government Support.

The Organising Committee expressed appreciation to H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for his continued support towards Busoga Prayer Week.

Members acknowledged the President’s previous contribution of UGX 20 million, which greatly supported the successful organization of earlier editions.

The Committee also welcomed Government’s continued investment in infrastructure, particularly the ongoing Luuka Road project, while appealing for the acceleration of the Jinja Express Highway and the long-awaited Jinja–Mbulamuti Road, noting their importance in stimulating trade, improving connectivity, and accelerating economic growth.

Religious leaders were commended for their unwavering support of the initiative, while HRH the Isabalangira of Busoga, was recognized for mobilizing Busoga’s traditional leaders.

Through him, an invitation was extended to His Majesty the Kyabazinga of Busoga to participate in the 2026 Main Prayer Gathering in Mayuge District.

Looking Ahead
As preparations intensify for the September gathering, leaders called upon all people of Busoga, regardless of faith or denomination, to actively participate in Busoga Prayer Week 2026.

The annual programme continues to serve as a platform for prayer, reconciliation, servant leadership, and collective action, reinforcing the belief that the transformation of Busoga requires both spiritual commitment and practical development efforts.

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The Busoga Consortium for Development (BCD) officially convened its inaugural Secretariat Orientation Meeting on 24th June 2026 at the Civil Service College in Jinja, marking a defining moment in the operational rollout of the Busoga Development Agenda (BDA) 2026/27–2030/31 chaired by Director General, Mula Anthony.

In his keynote address, the Director General welcomed the newly appointed Secretariat as “the new engines of transformation, the technical brains, and the execution force that will write the next chapter of Busoga’s socio-economic history.”

He congratulated the team on their appointment, emphasizing that their selection was deliberate and rooted in demonstrated competence, intellectual rigor, and patriotism for Busoga. He challenged them to see their roles not merely as administrative positions, but as a historic responsibility to convert policy into tangible household wealth.

“You have been brought into this house because of your proven competence and your shared patriotism for Busoga,” he noted, urging the team to embrace innovation, professionalism, integrity, and results-driven leadership.

The Director General reminded the Secretariat of the core purpose of the Consortium: to cultivate regional development, coordination and facilitate the leadership across Busoga’s cultural, political, religious, and local government structures across all 12 administrative units to deliver on the shared aspiration for the sociaeconomic transformation of Busoga during the next 5 years.

He emphasized that the Consortium had succeeded in creating a consensual platform anchored in the Obwa Kyabazinga Bwa Busoga through the Local Governments of Budoga designed to harmonize development efforts and accelerate socio-economic transformation.

At the centre of this framework is the Busoga Development Agenda (BDA), which provides a coordinated pathway for implementing development priorities in alignment with national planning frameworks.

A key highlight of the meeting was the reaffirmation of the Village Agriculture Model (VAM), a flagship implementation vehicle inspired by rural transformation frameworks from the People’s Republic of China, particularly the collaboration with China Agricultural University and related partners.

The model is designed to focus development interventions at the village level, ensuring that grassroots households are economically empowered. While not replacing government programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), VAM is positioned as a complementary facilitation mechanism that enhances implementation efficiency and local impact.

The Director General underscored a bold ambition under this model: eliminating extreme poverty across the 12 selected model villages by 2028 and positioning Busoga as Uganda’s fastest-growing sub-regional economy by 2030.

During the meeting, the Deputy Director General for Planning and Resource Mobilization, Mr. Emmanuel Kitamirike, delivered a comprehensive presentation titled “Unpacking the BDA Vision 2030: For People-Centred Planning and Implementation.”

His presentation examined the background, current state, and future trajectory of Busoga’s development agenda, highlighting strategic interventions required to translate the vision into measurable outcomes.

He emphasized the importance of coordinated planning, resource mobilization, and accountability mechanisms to ensure effective execution.

Each member of the Secretariat formally introduced their mandate areas and presented preliminary strategies on how their respective directorates will contribute to the realization of the BDA Vision 2030.

The discussions reinforced a shared commitment to:
• Strengthening institutional coordination across Busoga’s development ecosystem
• Enhancing data-driven planning and implementation
• Mobilizing partnerships for investment and innovation
• Ensuring grassroots impact through localized development programming
• A defining moment for Busoga’s future

The inaugural meeting concluded with a strong sense of purpose and unity, positioning the Secretariat as the operational backbone of Busoga’s transformation agenda.

Present at the meeting included; Owek. Sam Nkenga Minister of Agriculture Busoga Kingdom; Ambassador Agnes Kalibala Director social service; Bishop Frank Tibagendeka former Governor BCD and regional coordinator Busoga inter-religious council; Mr. Basangwa Johnson Director commerce, industry, and private sector development; Hon. Brandon Alex Kintu Deputy director community mobilization and mind set change, Mrs. Esther Mirembe Mugisa PRO BCD, among others. The meeting was moderated by Mr. Kayemba Patrick Director Community Mobilisation and Mindset Change.

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Local government leaders from across the 12 administrative units of the Busoga sub-region, operating under the Busoga Consortium for Development (BCD), converged at the Civil Service College of Uganda in Jinja City to elect new leadership for the consortium.

In a highly anticipated transition, Bugiri District LC5 Chairperson, Mulumba Davidson Kasajja, was elected as the BCD’s new Governor. Kasajja takes the baton from Bishop Frank Tibagendeka, the former LC5 Chairperson of Mayuge District, who has successfully completed his two-year tenure. The leaders also elected Iganga District LC5 Chairperson, Shabiru Isabirye, to serve as the new Vice Governor.

In his role as the Consortium’s Governor, he works alongside BCD Director General Anthony Mula and patron Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga to spearhead regional poverty alleviation, education, and development partnerships, such as the Village Agriculture Model (VAM).

The high-profile event was graced by the 3rd Deputy Prime Minister and Chairperson of the BCD Ministerial Coordination Committee, Rt. Hon. Rukia Nakadama, alongside regional Members of Parliament, District Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs), and cultural and religious leaders.

*A Vision for Rapid Socio-Economic Transformation:**

Delivering his strategic vision for the next five years, BCD Director General, Anthony Mula, projected that Busoga is poised to develop at an accelerated pace, building upon the solid foundation of regional cohesion established through previous political engagements and prayer weeks.

“We intend to consolidate unity as a core pillar of our regional transformation,” Mula stated.

He noted that the consortium will leverage the absolute solidarity within the Busoga Parliamentary Caucus to establish regional committees aimed at aggressive lobbying at the national level.

Key development pillars highlighted by the Secretariat for the upcoming term include:

The Village Agriculture Model Programme: Benchmarked against successful rural transformation strategies in the People’s Republic of China, this initiative complements the Parish Development Model (PDM). Having already piloted three villages in Namayingo (Namayombe), Mayuge (Mashiaga), and Kamuli (Busana), the BCD plans to roll out 12 model villages by 2028. The goal is to lift approximately 9,000 households out of extreme poverty and propel Busoga to the fastest-growing sub-region in Uganda, achieving middle-income status by 2030.

Massive Youth Skills Training: Under the continuous stewardship of the Busoga Kingdom, the consortium has resolved to provide technical and entrepreneurial training to one million young people, utilizing local, regional, and international training networks.

Digital Online Teaching Program: Set to launch officially in July 2026, this pioneering digital learning program will link 50 schools across Busoga to live, real-time lessons delivered by specialized teachers, democratizing access to quality education.

School Feeding and Soya Milk Initiative: Aimed at boosting cognitive development and reviving the historical academic excellence of Busoga, a comprehensive school feeding program will be launched in July by the Ministry of Education. This will be supported by reviving school gardens in collaboration with the agricultural departments, local governments, and the Busoga Kingdom.

International Partnerships and Zero Tolerance for Corruption:

Reflecting on the milestones of the past five years, the Director General highlighted major breakthroughs in international trade and cooperation. Under the political guidance of the First Deputy Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, Busoga established historic ties with China’s Liaoning and Shandong provinces.

Notably, in November 2025, Busoga became the first sub-region in Uganda to directly export agricultural produce to the Chinese market, flagging off an initial 11 tons of chili from Kamuli.

Presiding over the function, the 3rd Deputy Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Rukia Nakadama, commended the outgoing leadership and tasked the newly elected leaders to intensely monitor public resources.

She emphasized that the upcoming government allocation of UGX 200 million per parish under the PDM is a game-changer capable of replicating the rapid development model seen in global hubs like Dubai.

“Dubai was developed within a period of 20 years because there was no corruption. I call upon the new LC5 chairpersons and CAOs to work as a team and strictly eliminate corruption among parish chiefs. We must make close follow-ups to ensure these funds reach our people to effectively alter the poverty level,” Nakadama noted.

Commitments from Incoming and Outgoing Governors:

In his acceptance speech, the incoming Governor, Mulumba Davidson Kasajja, pledged to aggressively preach the gospel of unity, transcending political, religious, and traditional boundaries to tackle the obstacles frustrating Busoga’s growth.

“If it requires kneeling down to bring leaders together, I will do it,” Kasajja vowed.

He committed to operationalizing existing international partnerships with China to ensure visible local benefits, citing national precedents like China’s support for Naguru Hospital and various sports infrastructure.

Furthermore, he promised to integrate the model village approach directly into local government annual development plans to raise agricultural production and uplift subpar education standards.

The outgoing Governor, Bishop Frank Tibagendeka, expressed immense gratitude to the BCD Secretariat and the media fraternity for their selfless service.

Reflecting on the divine mandate of leadership, Tibagendeka commended Director General Anthony Mula for his unique vision and humility in empowering regional stakeholders.

He concluded by celebrating the legacy of leadership continuity, specifically noting his pride in being succeeded in Mayuge District by a leader he personally mentored, signaling bright prospects for the entire sub-region.

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Director General Dr Mula anthony flagging off the Busoga youhs to china‎The Director General of the Busoga Consortium for Development, Dr. Mula Anthony, has officially flagged off a team of six young leaders and entrepreneurs selected from the model Villages of Busoga to undergo a high-level entrepreneurship and rural transformation training at China Agricultural Universn from Namayombe Village in Namayingo District, Mashiage Village , Busana Village in Kamuli District, and the BCD secretariat represents the growing impact of the Busoga–China partnership in empowering rural youth across Busoga. The team includes:

Mirembe Esther – Public Relations Officer, Busoga Consortium (Team Leader)

‎Ojiambo Lucas – Assistant Agriculture Officer, Namayingo District (Namayombe Village)

‎Nambi Lydia – Secretary for Women, Busana Village, Kamuli District

‎Kintu Brian – Chief Executive Officer, Kamuli

‎Emma Byaruhanga – Brand Officer, Busoga Consortium for Development

‎This Global South Entrepreneur Initiative program is championed by China Agricultural University in partnership with Tencent, aimed at equipping young entrepreneurs from the Global with advanced knowledge, skills, and capacity-building tools to drive rural transformation in their home countries.

‎A Partnership Rooted in Progress

‎The Busoga–China collaboration was signed on 24th November 2023 at the Office of the President, where the Busoga Consortium signed a partnership agreement with China Agricultural University. The cooperation focuses on:

‎Technical support for the Village Agricultural Model

‎Capacity-building and scholarship programs for Busoga Consortium

‎Agricultural modernization

‎Entrepreneurship and grassroots economic growth

‎The flag-off stands as a clear testimony to the fruits of this partnership.

‎Investing in the Future of Busoga

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‎Speaking at the ceremony held in the Committee Room at the Office of the President, Dr. Mula Anthony emphasized the Consortium’s long-term vision of empowering youth through exposure, practical training and having no poor person in Busoga by 2030:

‎ “Our goal is to equip at least 1 million young people from Busoga with the knowledge, skills, and global exposure required to transform rural communities, accelerate development and create wealth. This delegation is part of that bigger dream.”

‎The team is set to undergo intensive training at China Agricultural University from 30th November to 14th December, focusing on modern agricultural systems, entrepreneurship, digital integration, and community-centered developmental models.

‎A Milestone for Rural Transformation

‎The Busoga Consortium continues to position the region as a hub of youth innovation and rural development excellence. Through international exchanges and high-impact partnerships, Busoga is steadily building a generation of informed, skilled, and globally connected change-makers.

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A delegation from China Agricultural University led by Associate Professor Prof. Li Li and PhD candidate Yanchen Qi concluded a three-day working tour across model districts in the Busoga sub-region aimed at assessing the progress of the BCD-CAU beneficiaries and Village Agriculture Model (VAM) project and strengthening community-based agricultural transformation programs.

The monitoring exercise focused on evaluating projects established by beneficiaries of the China Agricultural University–Busoga Consortium benchmarking and training program, which has continued to empower youth and rural communities through practical agricultural skills, poultry farming, and mindset transformation initiatives.

The tour, which ran from 6th to 8th May, was conducted together with the Director General of the Busoga Consortium for Development, Dr. Mula Anthony, district leaders, and agricultural stakeholders across the region.

Visit to Buteme Light Primary School, Kamuli District

One the 1st day of the tour, the delegation visited Buteme Light SDA Primary School to assess the progress of the school garden program under the Village Agriculture Model initiative. Targeted the school feeding program

The delegation was warmly received by the school management led by Headteacher Makubo Stephen alongside local farmers and community members.

Speaking during the visit, Dr. Mula Anthony emphasized the importance of integrating agriculture into schools as a way of equipping learners with practical farming skills, school feeding and promoting food security at household level.

He noted that the Busoga Consortium for Development plans to provide training to one million youths across the Busoga sub-region through benchmarking and agricultural transformation programs aimed at improving livelihoods and changing community mindsets towards agriculture.

The delegation also highlighted the importance of knowledge sharing between Uganda and China in promoting sustainable agriculture and community empowerment.

Mrs. Sarah Sambya LCV Chairperson Kamuli District appreciated the partnership between the CAU and the BCD for transforming communities through the VAM project. She pledged the district’s full support towards the project and emphasized that all district departments would prioritize the development of Busana Village to ensure sustainable agricultural transformation, youth empowerment, and improved household livelihoods.

Makubo Stephen Head Teacher Buteme Light SAD primary School welcomed the School Feeding program and pledged full commitment towards the implementation of the program. He noted that the initiative will greatly benefit both learners and parents through practical agricultural skills, Nutrition, improved school performance and mindset change. He reaffirmed the school’s readiness to work closely with the Busoga Consortium and community members to ensure the success of the project.

Hatchery Donation in Bubwika Village

The delegation later proceeded to Bubwika Village in Bulange Sub-county, Namutumba District, where Prof. Li Li officially handed over a 30-sitter small hatchery donated to support poultry farming activities in the community.

The hatchery, which operates using both solar power and electricity, was handed over to the Bubwika Women Farmers Association, whose members are actively engaged in poultry farming under the guidance of the Busoga Consortium for Development in partnership with Busoga Kingdom.

The event attracted local leaders, farmers, and community members mobilized by Yololimu Nabongho Kisiginyi.

Also present during the handover ceremony was the Minister of Agriculture in Busoga Kingdom, Owek. Samuel Nkenga, who commended the partnership for promoting sustainable agricultural development in rural communities.

During his remarks, Dr. Mula Anthony pledged to donate another hatchery to further expand poultry farming initiatives across Busoga as part of the Consortium’s agricultural transformation agenda.

Monitoring Beneficiary Communities in Namayombe Village

As part of the ongoing monitoring exercise, the delegation proceeded to Namayombe Village in Namayingo District to assess the progress of beneficiary communities under the China Agricultural University–Busoga Consortium partnership program.

The delegation visited beneficiaries Lucus Ojiambo and Nakato Prossy from Mashiaga, whose poultry enterprises are steadily improving household incomes and transforming livelihoods through the Village Agriculture Model initiative.

The tour was joined by District Chairperson Sanya Ronald together Mr.Patrick Kayemba Director Mindset Chang BCD, and Owek. Sam Nkenga Minister of Agriculture Busoga Kingdom who applauded the partnership for empowering rural communities through practical agricultural interventions and sustainable income-generating activities.

The delegation also emphasized the importance of continuous supervision and mentorship of CEOs of the Village Action Committees in consolidating Busoga’s efforts towards community-driven agricultural development and mindset change.

Beneficiaries Commend the Program

Among the beneficiaries whose projects were monitored by the visiting delegation included Esther Mirembe, Emma Byaruhanga, Namabi Lydia, Kayaga Elias, Kintu Brian, Nakato Prossy, Nalube Sophia, Kalinaki Robert, Athenio Scovia, and Lucus Ojiambo, alongside other youths who traveled to different provinces in China for agricultural benchmarking and training.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries trained last year, Esther Mirember appreciated the Busoga Consortium for Development and China Agricultural University for the exposure, knowledge, and practical skills acquired through the program.

She noted that the training had created a major shift in mindset among the youth and inspired many beneficiaries to embrace modern agriculture as a sustainable source of livelihood and community transformation.

Appreciation to National and Regional Leadership

Dr. Mula Anthony commended the continued support from the Office of the Vice President of Uganda led by Jessica Alupo, as well as leaders across the Busoga region, for supporting initiatives aimed at transforming communities through agriculture, youth empowerment, and innovation.

The three-day monitoring tour reaffirmed the strong partnership between China Agricultural University and the Busoga Consortium for Development in promoting sustainable agricultural development, skills transfer, and economic empowerment across the Busoga sub-region.

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Director General Dr Mula Anthony with Busoga Delegation

‎A delegation of four participants from the selected Model Village of Namayombe in Namayingo District, Mashaiga in Mayuge and Busana in Kamuli District has departed for Mogogolo, Tanzania, to undergo specialized training in soya milk processing.

‎The training will focus on the effective use and maintainance of machines donated by China Agricultural University to BCD for processing of Soya Milk for school going pupils in our Model Schools.

‎China Agricultural University, in collaboration with the Busoga Consortium, continues to champion the Soya Feeding Program as a strategic initiative to enhance nutrition in Model schools, promote value addition, and strengthen household incomes across the region.

‎In his remarks while briefing the delegation ahead of their departure, the Director General, Mr. Mula Anthony, encouraged them to remain attentive, disciplined, and fully committed to the training so as to maximize the opportunity.

He later escorted them to Entebbe International Airport, where they boarded Air Tanzania to Dar Es Salaam.

‎The team comprised:

‎Sophie Sylvia Nalubega – Mashiaga Village, Mayuge District

‎Elsie Kayaga – Busana Village, Kamuli District

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‎Scovia Athieno – Best Farmer, Namayombe Village, Namayingo District

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‎Robert Kalinaki – Busana Village, Kamuli District

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‎‎This initiative reflects a continued commitment to strengthening agribusiness skills, promoting value addition, and empowering local communities through practical knowledge transfer.

‎Upon their return, the delegation will take on a vital role in cascading the knowledge acquired by training other farmers in soya milk processing. This will be implemented under the Soya Feeding Program, aimed at promoting nutrition, value addition, and household income generation within the communities of Busoga.

‎Through this program, the demand for Soya beans is expected to increase as schools will need it in large quantities for soya milk production per term. The increased Demand for Soya beans means increased incomes among households within the project communities and Busoga at large.

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As part of our ongoing efforts to enhance agricultural productivity and profitability through the Village Agricultural Model (VAM) initiative, the Busoga Consortium for Development (BCD), in collaboration with the Busoga Kingdom and the Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, is undertaking a transformative step in rice production.

A team of officials led by Owek. Sam Nkenga, Minister of Agriculture for the Busoga Kingdom, alongside rice experts assigned by the Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences in Uganda, has commenced rice planting activities at Nawaibete Swamp, located along the Kibaale–Ivukula Road in Ivukula Sub-county, Namutumba District. This engagement also aims to explore the development of Modern Rice Production in Busoga Sub-region.

Under this partnership, BCD, together with the Sichuan Academy of Agricultural Sciences and the Busoga Kingdom, plans to pilot a high-yielding rice variety in Ivukula Sub-County that is expected to deliver up to 200% higher yields compared to traditional varieties currently used by our farmers. This initiative is a key step toward addressing poverty and improving household incomes across the region.

The successful piloting will result into the rolling out of the program across all traditionally rice growing districts of Busoga.

The project is being implemented under the guidance of the BCD Director General, with Owek. Sam Nkenga as ground oversight leader based on his proffessional expertise in Agricultural coordination. The technical team, working closely with local farmers, is actively preparing seedbeds and establishing demonstration plots at the sites, which has been identified for piloting modern paddy rice production techniques.

This initiative reflects the Busoga Consortium’s and Busoga Kingdom’s broader vision of building a socially and economically empowered Busoga through sustainable agricultural transformation.

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Kamuli, Uganda

The Director General of the Busoga Consortium, Dr. Mula Anthony, yesterday flagged off the BCD-CAU School Garden program for Primary schools in the Busoga model villages during his visit at Buteme Light SDA Primary School, located in Busana Model Village, Kamuli District. He was accompanied by District Chairperson Hon. Sarah Sambya, Agricultural Officers and members of the Village Action Committee of Busana Village. The delegation was received by Mr. Makubo Stephen Head Teacher of Buteme Light SDA Primary School.

The visit included an inspection of the ongoing construction of a modern Kitchen facility by the school, now approximately 90% complete, in preparation for the scheduled commencement of the soya milk school feeding program for VAM model schools next month.

During the visit, the school garden planting season was officially launched. Dr. Mula Anthony who handed over 30 kilograms of Soya bean seeds of MAK SOY N6 variety, 18 kilograms of maize long 10H variety, and the required fertilizers to support the garden. The were received by school Head Teacher Mr. Makubo Stephen, marking the revival of hands-on agricultural activities for schools in a move to improve pupils nutrition and schools’ performance at the primary level.

In his remarks, he highlighted the Busoga Consortium’s commitment to holistic community development, combining education, agriculture, and digital learning to create model villages that can inspire prosperity across Busoga by the end of the 2025/26 financial year.

The feeding project will start in three selected model villages and their model schools, with Buteme Light SDA Primary School, a government school located in Busana I Village, Kamuli District, being one of them. This initiative is a result of the collaborative efforts between China Agricultural University (CAU) and the Busoga Consortium for Development (BCD).

Mr. Makubo Stephen commended China Agricultural University, Busoga leaders led by the Rt. Hon. Dr. Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, the BCD Director General Dr. Mula Anthony, and parents for their support. He expressed his commitment to ensuring that Buteme Light SDA transforms into a real model school following its being selected to benefit from both the feeding program and the digital learning screens recently donated.

Hon. Sarah Sambya also thanked China Agricultural University for its support and pledged the district’s full commitment to prioritize Busana Village as a model community.

Following the launch, Dr. Mula and his team paid a courtesy visit to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of Kamuli District, Mr. Mawley Ben Lawrenu to brief him on the ongoing efforts in the model school and village projects.

The CAO expressed full support and pledged that all district departments would prioritize Busana Village, personally committing to visit and monitor progress.

The BCD Director General also praised parents and school management for building a school kitchen within three weeks, demonstrating strong local commitment and enthusiasm for the project.

After Kamuli, Dr. Mula Anthony traveled to Luuka District to tour a chilli farm of Mr. Isabirye Paul, a retired government official. He applauded Mr. Isabirye for planning well his retirement through investment in growing of Chilli, Poultry, rearing of Cows, among entreprises.

The visit underscores the Busoga Consortium’s commitment to community development, combining education, nutrition, agriculture, and digital learning to create model villages that can inspire prosperity across Busoga.

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