BUTEBO
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja has urged communities in the Bukedi sub-region to shift from traditional farming to high-value agricultural enterprises that can generate better incomes from limited pieces of land.
Speaking in Butebo on Saturday, October 3, 2026, Nabbanja said the region’s growing land constraints require farmers to adopt productive enterprises such as coffee growing, poultry, piggery and cattle keeping.
She said wetlands cover a significant proportion of land in Bukedi, leaving communities with increasingly limited space for conventional agriculture. The Prime Minister encouraged farmers to make better use of the land available to them by embracing enterprises capable of generating higher returns.
She particularly urged farmers to take up coffee growing and called on agricultural extension workers to intensify training so that farmers can acquire modern farming skills.
“Whenever we went while monitoring people’s projects, the farmers said they have not yet known the current type of farming,” Nabbanja said.
She also encouraged residents to diversify their sources of income through poultry and piggery, while those with the financial capacity could venture into cattle keeping.
Nabbanja also issued a strong warning to beneficiaries of the Parish Development Model (PDM) against misusing government funds. She reminded beneficiaries that the money is intended as capital for investment, not for consumption or to fund social functions.
“PDM money is not for eating; it is capital for investment. Do not use PDM funds to organise parties or pay bribes. You will have to pay it back,” she warned.
She urged beneficiaries to invest the funds in income-generating activities that can improve household livelihoods.
Nabbanja made the remarks during a development-focused ceremony in Butebo, where she commissioned Butebo Health Center IV, an electricity project and a mini-industrial project. The ceremony also marked a Thanksgiving event honoring Dr. Monica Musenero Masanza, Minister of Energy and Mineral Development.
The UPDF Engineering Brigade constructed the health center, which now has adequate electricity supply, a development expected to support the delivery of health services.
Dr. Musenero said she had followed up on the health center among other projects because of delays in making it operational. She expressed hope that the commissioning and electricity supply would enable the facility to begin serving residents effectively.
The Chairperson of the Bukedi Parliamentary Caucus, Dr. Patrick Wakida presented a memorandum highlighting challenges affecting service delivery in the region.He called for government intervention to address shortages of teachers and health workers, saying inadequate staffing continues to affect schools and health facilities.
Wakida also raised the longstanding concern over the Namutumba–Nabumali road in Butaleja, saying residents have waited for its improvement for many years.He asked the Prime Minister to present the concerns contained in the memorandum directly to President Museveni
The leaders also rallied support for the construction of a mini-industrial park in Butebo.
Nabbanja contributed Shs20 million towards the project, while Dr. Wakida and Fred Mudokoi each pledged Shs10 million. Other leaders and well-wishers also made contributions and pledges.
Meanwhile, Bishop Samuel George Bogere Egesa of Bukedi Diocese urged residents to embrace thanksgiving, saying people should appreciate their life journeys, experiences, and blessings they have received.
The ceremony attracted thousands of residents, ministers, members of parliament, NRM leaders, local government officials, and other dignitaries.