Museveni’s Call for ‘Ekibaro’: A Push for Agricultural Prosperity

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has once again urged Ugandans to engage in wealth creation through commercial agriculture, emphasizing the importance of “ekibaro” (calculation) in this endeavor.

“Some people may not be well-versed in our history, but this region has always been known for its wealth creators. In our villages, if you’re not actively working towards wealth creation, you’re often labeled a vagabond,” he stated.

The President reiterated this call during his Presidential Address on Wealth Creation, held on Thursday, February 29, 2024, at State Lodge, Nakasero.

President Museveni highlighted the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government’s commitment to prioritizing economics and wealth creation over politics, urging citizens to reject divisive politics and instead focus on economic empowerment.

“As a wealth creator, I hold no animosity towards any Ugandan. I appreciate all Ugandans who support local products such as milk, beef, and bananas. Therefore, it’s unfathomable for me to dislike any Ugandan. However, we recognize the need for expanding beyond the local market to regional markets to bolster wealth creation. Hence, our commitment to patriotism and Pan-Africanism as guiding principles,” he emphasized.

President Museveni outlined strategies for Uganda’s success, stressing the importance of developing indigenous wealth while modernizing agricultural practices.

“To achieve this, we’ve highlighted four key sectors, including commercial agriculture with ‘ekibaro.’ Within commercial agriculture, we advocate for extensive agriculture for those with large land holdings, such as sugarcane, cotton, and indigenous cattle. For those with smaller plots, we promote intensive agriculture focused on high-income enterprises tailored for smaller areas,” he explained.

Additionally, the President shared insights into cattle farming practices, citing his Kisozi farm as an example. He advocated for a hybrid approach combining grazing with supplementary feeding to maximize cattle productivity.

President Museveni also commended successful models of farming, such as the four-acre model embraced by individuals like Mr. Richard Nyakana in Rwengaju, Fort Portal, and State Minister for Works and Transport, Hon. Fred Byamukama.

Furthermore, he urged leaders to prioritize poverty alleviation through mobilization and sensitization efforts, emphasizing the importance of solving people’s economic challenges.

“In politics, true success lies in addressing the people’s issues, particularly poverty. Therefore, those willing to assist our citizens should focus on improving homestead incomes,” he concluded.