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.