By Timothy Eodu-Kalaki
The Assistant Resident District Commissioner-RDC of Kalaki district in Teso region has sounded tough on corruption after Commissioning a powerful Micro scale irrigation system at Katine Village, Ocelakur parish in Ocelakur Sub-county last week.
Mr. Denis Richard Apuun made the remarks while handing over the irrigation system to Mr Alex Otim who has proved to be one of the outstanding commercial progressive farmer in the district. Apuun added that with the power of cohesion and teamwork with district officials, Sub-county political and administrative leadership of Ocelakur, such government initiatives can transform the communities and nation if well handled.
This initiative which is directly managed by Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and fisheries (MAAIF) and Kalaki District Local Government under Uganda Intergovernmental Fiscal Transfers (UgIFT) with support from World Bank has benefited a total of twelve (12) farmers who were rightfully chosen as Farmer Field Schools- FFS.
The Assistant RDC further thanked the Government for this initiative that is directed focused towards transforming household income and interesting Ugandans in the money economy. He argued the beneficiary to be open minded enough to allow neighbours and other Sub-county counterparts learn from his model so that they appreciate and be able to replicate.
Kalaki District Agriculture Officer, Mr. Noah Esamu told our reporter that this is the 3rd financial of the Ugift project in the district. He added that this project will allow farmers who benefited to start production of high value crops throughout the year.
“Because of the climate change effects, the irrigation scheme will allow our farmers who benefited to do crop production all year round without much stress. With the one year warrantee on the equipment as well, they will be covered in case of any mechanical issue arising within the same period,” he said.
As a way of increasing agricultural productivity, GOU has committed to invest in the development of major irrigation schemes in the Country, ensure continued investment in technology improvement through research for improved seed, breeds and stocking material: invest in the development of the phosphates industry to reduce the cost of fertilizers.
Employment Opportunities for the Youth
Mr. Apuun emphasised that once such initiatives are in place, the youth definitely get employed, earn salary, and are able to pay taxes which enable Ministries, Departments and Agencies to run properly without budget constraints.
“Let’s build on team work, embrace Government policies and programs and shun tendencies of Corruption from ruining the progress of our District. You all remember that Kalaki District is being admired as the little brain Child of other Districts in Teso region so it requires keen attention, and the best care the new born baby requires. This is a serious boost to our farmers in the District on top of other wealth creation intended initiatives that are not limited to PDM, GROW, EMYOOGA, UWEP, PWDs grant, YLP etc,” Apuun stated.
The ARDC promised to continue fighting elements of corruption that bog down the development and continue denying the wanainchi (Citizens) their entitlements at the expense of wanting to get rich within the shortest possible time.