By Richard Onapatum
KARENGA, UGANDA – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has emphasized the importance of commercial agriculture in transforming the lives of Karamoja communities. Speaking at the closure of the ninth Karamoja Cultural Festival on September 7, 2024, the President encouraged locals to adopt commercial agriculture as a broad-based way of wealth creation.
Karamoja, a region in northeastern Uganda, has long been known for its rich cultural heritage and traditional pastoralist practices. However, the region has also faced numerous challenges, including poverty, hunger, and climate change. President Museveni’s call for commercial agriculture is seen as a key strategy to address these challenges and unlock the region’s full potential.
“My dear people of Karamoja, I want to emphasize that commercial agriculture is the way forward for your region. It is the key to unlocking your full potential and creating a brighter future for yourselves and your children,” President Museveni said. “We must move away from subsistence farming and embrace commercial agriculture, which will not only improve your livelihoods but also contribute to the country’s economic growth.”
Despite industrial developments in the region, President Museveni noted that commercial agriculture can provide a more inclusive source of income. He suggested exploring drought-resistant crops like grapes, citing Palestine as an example of successful agriculture in arid regions.
“We must learn from others who have succeeded in similar conditions. Palestine, for example, has shown us that with determination and the right techniques, we can grow crops in even the most challenging environments,” he said. “Grapes, for instance, are a drought-resistant crop that can thrive in Karamoja’s climate. We can learn from Palestine’s experience and adapt it to our own context.”
The President highlighted the government’s efforts to improve peace and security, access to water, and education in the region. Minister of State for Ethics and Integrity Rose Lilly Akello thanked the President for deploying the army to restore peace and for initiatives like fencing off Kidepo Valley National Park to enable agricultural practices.
“Mr. President, your efforts have brought peace and stability to our region. We are now able to focus on development and prosperity,” Minister Akello said. “The fencing off of Kidepo Valley National Park is a great example of this. It has not only protected our wildlife but also enabled our people to engage in agriculture and other economic activities.”
The event was attended by high-ranking authorities, including ministers, members of Parliament, and local leaders from Uganda, Kenya, and South Sudan. The Karamoja Cultural Festival celebrates the diverse cultures and traditions of the Ateker tribes in the region and will be held in Nakapiripirit district next year.
As Karamoja communities embark on this journey of commercial agriculture, they can unlock their full potential and create a brighter future for themselves and their region. With the government’s support and their own determination, the people of Karamoja can turn their region into a hub of agricultural prosperity and cultural richness.
“We have the land, we have the people, and we have the support of the government. Now it’s up to us to make it happen,” said Lokiru Richard, a local farmer. “We are excited to embrace commercial agriculture and show the world what we can do.”
President Museveni concluded his speech by urging the people of Karamoja to embrace commercial agriculture and work towards a prosperous future.
“Let us work together to build a brighter future for Karamoja. A future where our children can grow up with hope and opportunity. A future where our region is a hub of agricultural prosperity and cultural richness. We can do it, and we will do it.”