The National Women& Council on Wednesday organized a specialized
training program on best agricultural practices for women leaders from Wakiso and Mukono
districts. The training took place at the Kawumu Presidential Demonstration Farm in Luweero
district, where participants learned about various aspects of farming, including pineapple
growing, poultry, banana farming, coffee plantations, mushroom cultivation, fish farming, rabbit
rearing, and cattle management.
The training aimed to equip women leaders with the knowledge and skills necessary to maximize
agricultural productivity and improve household incomes. Led by Mr. Gandugga Geoffrey, the
Farm Manager, a team of officials guided the participants through the best practices for each
agricultural activity. The women were enthusiastic about learning and actively participated in the
training sessions.
Princess Nassolo Pauline, a Private Secretary to the President on Women Affairs, delivered an
inspiring speech during the training during which she urged the participants to apply what they
had learned in their respective areas and become agents of change. Recognizing the pivotal role
of women in the agricultural sector, Princess Nassolo emphasized the importance of their
leadership in achieving the President’s vision of improving household incomes.
The Deputy Executive Director of the National Women’s Council, Ms. Emily Akullu, expressed
her gratitude for the recent allocation of Institutional Support to the council structures. She
highlighted the positive impact of these funds in empowering council members to mobilize
women and community members for government development programs. Ms. Akullu noted that
many of the visiting women leaders were already engaged in agricultural activities but lacked the
skills to maximize returns from their farms. She expressed optimism that the knowledge gained
during the training would be a game-changer, leading to increased production and value addition.
Esther Baroma Nakyazze, the Women’s Council Chairperson for Mukono, shared her experience
from the study visit noting that the training had exposed them to innovative techniques for
maximizing production from small pieces of land, which are prevalent in their localities. Mrs.
Baroma pledged to implement the learned practices and also pass on the knowledge to
individuals in their neighborhoods. The issue of fake seedlings available on the market was
raised by the participants, who appealed for supplies from the Presidential Farm to ensure quality
and authenticity.
Sherry Kalyebara, the Women’s Council Chairperson for Wakiso, expressed her satisfaction with
the acquired skills and mentioned their readiness to apply for funding under the Parish
Development Model. She aimed to create demonstration farms in their respective areas for the
benefit of other Ugandans. Ms. Kalyebara commended the National Women’s Council and the
Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development for their forward-thinking approach and
commitment to exposing leaders to best agricultural practices.
The specialized training program was a significant step toward empowering women leaders in
the agricultural sector. With their newfound knowledge, these women are poised to make a
substantial impact on agricultural productivity in Wakiso and Mukono. By implementing best
practices and sharing their expertise, they are helping to drive sustainable development and
improve livelihoods in their communities.