MITYANA – Over 200 youth from Mityana District have received a boost of agricultural inputs from Team Uganda a consortium of Hanns R.Newmann , Action 4 Health and Whave Solutions.
The inputs included pesticides, seeds and artificial fertilisers worth UGX 300M at a handover ceremony at their operational premises in Kitinkokola last week.
Mr. Farouk Semwanga, the Project manager and youth specialist expert at Hanns R. Neumann said that they have set up demonstration farms to help the youth practice agriculture as a business and a source of livelihood.
“We have given out farming inputs for over three seasons to a tune of UGX. 538m to over 200 groups each with 30 ranging from (15 – 30) years. The results so far are from one season and they are very impressive with approximately UGX 180M registered while working with 6554 youths among which 4217 have started their own gardens while 60 have established joint farms,” he said .
He further explained that some of them have been able to buy bikes and acquired land of their own which is a big step for their development and have been cautioned, trained and empowered about savings, family responsibility, family planning as well as living sensibly free from diseases such as AIDS among others.
However, Sarah Sentamu, the Vice chairperson LC5 , Mityana District urged them to use the same energy while in politics in order to put these the inputs given to them so that they can fight poverty as well desisting from being used by funny politicians who are seeking for their own gains.
“This work is supposed to be done by the district but having these partners is a great opportunity. We are good at the initial stages but should also consider post harvesting and handling so that most people do not end buying. I have the reports and some of the results are good and I argue you to work for both the stomach and pockets,”he said.
“We want rich youth so that we as politicians do not have a burden since you are capable of sustaining your selves and families. I pledge that we shall commit our services to you and in case you need any support from us just give me a call,” she asserted.
Monica Basemera, Communication and Advocacy Coordinator Action 4 Health said that they are implementing in three areas such as in health, water and agriculture but they are looking at improving their livelihoold so that they are empowered economically with an aspect of gender equality so that they can work as a family and and up grade their statuses.
She further encouraged them to take advantage of the inputs given to them since they have immense impact on their lives.
Relatedly , the project is carried out in five sub counties that include; Banda ,Maanyi, Kalangaalo, Malangala and Bulera with grass- root impact on 213 villages out of 248 in the district .
The event has district officials like the LC5 Chairperson, Resident District Commissioner ( RDC) , District Probation Officer , Community Development Officers, community representatives among others.
