Mass soya planting begins in Busoga to boost food security

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In a bid to combat poverty and improve food security in the Busoga sub-region, the Busoga Consortium for Development (BCD)—a regional local government-led initiative under the Office of the Vice President—has launched the mass planting season of soya bean in three pilot districts under its Village Agricultural Model (VAM) project.

The VAM project, implemented by BCD, aims to transform livelihoods and enhance agricultural productivity in Busoga, starting with Namayingo, Mayuge, and Kamuli districts.

Busoga Kingdom's Prime Minister Dr. Joseph Muvawala (2nd left) handing over a bag of soya bean seedlings to farmers for planting at Namayombe village in Namayingo district. Looking on is the Namayingo L.C 5 district chairperson Ronald Ssanya (left). (Photo by Donald Kiirya)

The mass planting of soya bean was launched in three model villages: Namayombe in Buhemba sub-county (Namayingo district), Mashiaga village (Mayuge district), and Busana (Kamuli district).

Launch in Namayingo

The BCD VAM soya bean planting season in Namayingo was launched by the prime minister of Busoga kingdom, Dr Joseph Muvawala, who was accompanied by Namayingo district chairperson Ronald Ssanya, Busoga kingdom agriculture minister Sam Nkenga, and Andrew Ntange, the spokesperson and chief of protocol in the office of the prime minister of Busoga kingdom.

While addressing farmers benefiting from the project, Dr Muvawala praised BCD’s complementary role alongside the Government of Uganda and ObwaKyabazinga Bwa Busoga in promoting development. He urged the people of Namayingo to embrace the initiative.

“Many people used not to believe in the works of Busoga Consortium and they used to sabotage it, but now it has started working—it has responded to its enemies with action and not mere words,” Muvawala said, adding that Basoga should embrace farming in the region.

He further warned against sabotaging development projects intended to transform livelihoods through ObwaKyabazinga Bwa Busoga.

Agriculture minister Sam Nkenga, who represented BCD’s director general at the event, said the VAM project is being implemented in partnership with China Agricultural University (CAU).

Nkenga said the initiative is expected to have a major impact on Busoga’s socio-economic growth and Uganda’s wider agricultural sector, improving food security and livelihoods.

He added that, in future, BCD plans to establish bulking and processing centres to support value addition on soya bean, with the aim of producing soya milk, soya oil, fish feed, and chicken feed, among other products.

Nkenga also assured farmers that BCD would secure ready markets for soya bean and other crops grown under the project.

Ruth Nagawa, CEO of VAM in Namayombe village, said 100 residents will benefit from the pilot phase, with each cultivating one acre of soya bean.

Namayingo District Agricultural Officer Daniel Dembe said a farmer could expect to harvest a minimum of 700 kilogrammes and a maximum of 900 kilogrammes from one acre.

Launch in Mashiaga village, Mayuge

In Mashiaga village, Mayuge district, the third deputy prime minister and chairperson of the Ministerial Coordination Committee (MCC) for BCD, Rukia Nakadama, officially launched the VAM planting season. She was accompanied by BCD director general Anthony Mula, along with several government and district officials, local leaders, and agricultural stakeholders.

During the launch, Nakadama emphasised the central government’s commitment to transforming the agriculture sector by empowering farmers with modern inputs, technologies, and training in sustainable practices.

Busoga Kingdom's Prime Minister Dr. Joseph Muvawala (right), Namayingo district L.C 5 chairperson Ronald Ssanya (2nd right), Busoga Kingdom's Agriculture Minister Sam Nkenga (3rd right) and one of the beneficiaries (middle) launching the soya bean planting season in Namayingo. (Photo by Donald Kiirya)

“This initiative is a testament to our commitment to ensuring food security, improving household incomes, and fostering economic growth through agriculture. We urge farmers to embrace these improved practices for a more productive and prosperous future,” she said.

The VAM planting season supports the government's wider agricultural transformation agenda under the Parish Development Model, aimed at reducing poverty and enhancing rural development.

Local farmers expressed optimism about the initiative, saying it could help address issues like soil degradation and low crop yields.

In addition to technical support, farmers also received improved seed varieties and fertilisers to help them achieve higher yields.

BCD director general Anthony Mula said the project, led by BCD in collaboration with China Agricultural University, Makerere University Business School, and the Office of the Vice President, is aimed at improving agricultural productivity and promoting sustainable practices across the region.

“The VAM planting season is designed to enhance soil fertility, increase crop yields, and provide farmers with the necessary resources and knowledge to maximise their agricultural output,” Mula said.

Launch in Busana village, Kamuli

In Busana village, Kamuli district, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of East African Community Affairs Rebecca Kadaga was represented by Bugabula North MP John Teira, who officiated at the launch of the planting season. Kadaga also serves as BCD's patron.

Beneficiaries speak out

Rose Akumu, a 52-year-old resident of Namayombe village, said that growing soya bean with BCD’s support would allow her to earn profits and pay school fees for her children, who are currently at home due to lack of funds.

Christine Nabwire said, “As one of the beneficiaries in the project, I hope to buy land after selling my first harvest of soya bean, thanks to BCD which has supported us.”

Charleston Rubia said, “With the support of BCD, we expect to add value to the soya beans by producing soy milk and soya oil among others after installation of processing machines.”

Sylvia Byogero added, “I expect to use the first money from the harvest to buy more land and build a family house.”