President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has launched a transformative initiative to turn demonstration farms into centers of excellence, aimed at promoting the government’s 4-acre agricultural model.

This new move will see these farms double as distribution hubs, providing free agricultural inputs to households interested in small-scale commercial farming.

Speaking at the State Lodge in Mayuge District during a community engagement with residents of Kityerera Parish, President Museveni emphasized that the initiative is a step toward eliminating household poverty through structured, small-scale farming.

“We are going to develop this farm here according to plan, but at the same time, start giving materials directly to you. Those who want coffee, pigs, chicken, or fingerlings for fish, we shall give them directly,” President Museveni pledged.

The 4-acre model promotes a diversified approach with one acre each dedicated to coffee, food crops, fruits such as mangoes and pineapples, and pasture for livestock. Additional backyard spaces complement this by supporting poultry, piggery, and fish farming, especially near wetlands, to maximize productivity on small farms.

“These seven activities can generate sufficient income for any homestead. If you do them well, you will not only escape poverty but also create employment and wealth,” the president said.

To inspire uptake, President Museveni highlighted success stories from across Uganda.

Joseph Ijala, a former taxi driver from Serere District, transformed 2.5 acres into a thriving poultry and dairy farm, selling 310 trays of eggs daily and earning over UGX 3 million per day, alongside producing more than 300 liters of milk. Similarly, Nyakana of Fort Portal earns over UGX 130 million annually from just 1.2 acres through poultry and dairy farming, employing 15 workers.

The president also cautioned against environmentally harmful practices such as rice farming in wetlands, advocating instead for fish farming, which he said can yield profits of up to UGX 66 million per acre with eight ponds.

To support farmers in implementing the model, President Museveni urged the formation of Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs) to improve access to financial services.

He reassured residents that the government will directly provide inputs, especially for livestock and fish farming, modeled after successful initiatives like the Limoto Rice Scheme.

Addressing community concerns over livestock theft, the president announced enhanced security measures, including the sub-county policing model with dedicated officers, police dogs, and surveillance cameras to curb criminal activity.

President Museveni also paid tribute to Busoga’s significant role in Uganda’s liberation struggle, recognizing local heroes who sacrificed their lives.

He thanked the community for its unwavering support and stressed the importance of collective effort in driving economic prosperity.

The meeting included key government officials such as the third Deputy Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Rukia Nakadama Isanga, and the Minister for the Presidency, Hon. Babirye Milly Babalanda.

Rt. Hon. Nakadama commended the President’s vision and commitment to uplifting the people of Kityerera.

As the initiative gains momentum, President Museveni remains confident that the 4-acre model is a proven pathway to household wealth and employment, urging all residents to embrace the opportunity and transform their livelihoods.