Mukono District Production Department Shines at National Agricultural Show as President Museveni Urges Youth to Embrace Commercial Agriculture.

Jinja, Uganda – Mukono District Local Government’s Production Department has once again made a remarkable presence at the ongoing 31st National Agricultural Show and the 4th National Agricultural Education Show, currently taking place at the Jinja Agricultural Showgrounds. The event, which commenced on 27th June 2025, will run until 5th July 2025, under the theme “Technological Innovations Driving Farm Wealth.”

Speaking at the official opening ceremony, President Yoweri Kaguta Tibuhaburwa Museveni, in a speech delivered on his behalf by Mr. Mwambu Paul, the Commissioner in charge of Crop Inspection and Certification from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), urged organizers to intensify mobilization of youth especially those in and out of schools to embrace commercial agriculture as a means of creating employment and increasing household income.

“I am pleased that this year’s event is targeting the youth, the Bazukulu. This will attract them into agriculture as a viable livelihood. Farmers must also be properly guided on enterprise selection, especially those benefiting from government programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM),” the President noted in his remarks.

President Museveni reaffirmed his government’s commitment to supporting the agricultural sector and emphasized the importance of close monitoring and guidance by agricultural extension workers to ensure successful outcomes for beneficiaries of government agricultural interventions.

Representing the Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Hon. Frank Kagyigyi Tumwebaze, Dr. Sadiki Kassim, Deputy Director General for Technology Promotion at the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO), described the show as a vital platform for farmers, innovators, researchers, policymakers, and the private sector to exchange ideas and showcase innovations.

He highlighted key Ministry interventions, including scaling up mechanization and irrigation services, deployment of extension workers to all sub-counties, and establishment of industrial parks to support value addition and marketing of produce.

Dr. Mukulu Fred, the Mukono District Production Officer, expressed gratitude to the district leadership for facilitating and sponsoring their participation. He especially appreciated the support of the District Chairperson, Hon. Rev. Dr. Peter Bakaluba Mukasa, and the Chief Administrative Officer, Ms. Elizabeth Namanda “Mukono District continues to maintain a vibrant stall, which has consistently earned recognition as one of the best in the country. This show enables us to showcase our capabilities, build networks, and learn how to improve our agricultural services,” Dr. Mukulu remarked.

After delivering the President’s speech, Commissioner Mwambu visited exhibition stalls and commended Mukono District for their outstanding innovations and displays. The district showcased practical technologies and demonstrations in areas such as Beekeeping Bee brush, honey press, extractor, smoker, hive tools,Veterinary Diagnostics: Microscopy, rapid diagnostics, bio-safety protocols,Crop Production: Horticulture (pumpkins), cocoa, cassava, yams, sugarcane, bananas, Aquaculture, Fish culture systems, Post-Harvest & Value Addition Technologies

The event has attracted a wide range of participants, including Resident City Commissioner of Jinja City, Mr. Richard Gulume Balyainho, Deputy Commissioner of Uganda Prisons, Mr. Samuel Akena, Representatives from Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), International guests from the United Arab Emirates, Students and pupils from various schools, Private sector partners such as NARO, National Coffee Research Institute (NaCORI), and Bank of Uganda.

The show is organized by the Uganda National Farmers Federation (UNFFE) under the leadership of its President, Mr. Dick N. Kamuganga, in collaboration with MAAIF.