JINJA, UGANDA – The Minister for the Presidency and Member of Parliament for Budiope West Constituency, Hon. Babirye Milly Babalanda, cautioned the people of Busoga against excessive land fragmentation, warning that it undermines commercial agriculture, household incomes and efforts to eradicate poverty.
The Minister made the remarks yesterday while officiating at the send-off ceremony of her beloved aunt, Nabirye Tophirista Abuze, of Kibundaire Village, Namagera Parish, Butagaya Sub-county, Jinja District.
The Minister observed that dividing family land into increasingly smaller plots leaves households with insufficient acreage to support viable agricultural enterprises, thereby undermining Government’s wealth-creation initiatives, particularly the Four-Acre Model championed by H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
She explained that the model promotes diversified agricultural production, with the first acre allocated to long-term cash crops such as coffee or cocoa; the second to fruits such as oranges and mangoes; the third to food crops, including maize, beans, cassava, sweet potatoes and vegetables; and the fourth to pasture for livestock, particularly zero-grazing and dairy farming.
“Excessive land fragmentation leaves families with plots that are too small to support productive and sustainable agricultural activities. We must manage our land responsibly to preserve its value as an asset for wealth creation,” she cautioned.
Hon. Babalanda urged the people of Busoga to take advantage of Government initiatives, including the Youth Livelihood Programme, Emyooga, the Parish Development Model (PDM) and the Four-Acre Model, to improve household incomes and accelerate socio-economic transformation.
She also encouraged families to establish complementary backyard enterprises, such as poultry keeping, vegetable growing and piggery, to diversify their income sources, strengthen food security and improve their livelihoods.
“I call upon the people of Busoga to embrace Government wealth-creation initiatives with commitment, discipline and a focus on productive investment,” she said, emphasising the importance of a positive mindset and the prudent use of available resources.
The Minister urged residents to avoid self-medication and seek timely medical attention at recognised health facilities.
“Life is precious, and we must never take it for granted. Early detection and timely medical intervention can significantly improve treatment outcomes and save lives,” she said.
On HIV/AIDS, Hon. Babalanda called for continued awareness, prevention, regular testing and access to treatment and care. She commended H.E President Museveni for his leadership in combating the epidemic and urged communities to support people living with HIV while addressing stigma and discrimination.
Hon. Babalanda conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family on behalf of H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni; the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni; the Permanent Secretary in the Office of the President, Hajji Yunus Kakande; and the entire staff of the Office of the President.
She thanked relatives, friends and well-wishers who supported the family through prayers and other acts of kindness during the period of grief.
“May the Almighty God grant our beloved aunt eternal rest and comfort all those she has left behind,” she said.
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