GOMBA DISTRICT – The Manager of the Office of the National Chairman (ONC), Senior Presidential Advisor Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo Uzeiye, has launched a nationwide agricultural empowerment campaign aimed at boosting food production and household incomes through the distribution of seeds and other farming inputs.
The exercise commenced in Maddu Town Council, Gomba District, where hundreds of farmers received maize and bean seeds, fertilizers, pesticides and other agricultural inputs to support cultivation during the ongoing rainy season.
Speaking to farmers and local leaders amid a heavy downpour, Hajjat Namyalo emphasized the need for communities to shift their focus from politics to productivity following the conclusion of the election period.
“We have finished the election period and now it is time for work,” Namyalo said, urging residents to take advantage of the rains and return to their gardens in order to increase agricultural output and improve household incomes.
Popularly known as Museveni’s Chief Muzzukulu, Namyalo noted that many farming communities had suffered prolonged drought conditions that negatively affected crop yields and livelihoods. She explained that the ONC had temporarily scaled down some empowerment activities during the election season but was now resuming efforts to support citizens in wealth creation and economic transformation.
She called upon beneficiaries to utilize the inputs responsibly and ensure that the support translates into increased production, food security and improved standards of living.
“Agriculture remains one of the strongest pathways to economic empowerment. When farmers receive quality inputs on time and use them effectively, households and communities benefit,” she said.
Namyalo also emphasized the importance of unity and cooperation among local leaders and residents, noting that collective efforts are essential for maximizing the benefits of government development programs.
Local leaders welcomed the initiative and praised the ONC for extending support to farmers in the area.
Maddu NRM Chairperson Julius Kibirige commended Namyalo for prioritizing agricultural empowerment, noting that the town council’s 19 villages require sustained interventions aimed at improving household incomes and livelihoods.
He appealed for additional empowerment programs targeting youth and women, including vocational skills training and support with equipment such as sewing machines to help establish small businesses.
Maddu Town Council Mayor Alali Muhiirwa Kabaleega also lauded the ONC initiative and called for expanded support to youth through practical income-generating projects.
He requested assistance with equipment including popcorn-making machines, bricklaying equipment, salon tools and sewing machines, arguing that such interventions would enable young people to create employment opportunities and become self-reliant.
Kabaleega further encouraged residents to take advantage of the ongoing rains and concentrate on productive activities.
“The political season is now over; it is now time for working,” he said, while urging residents to maintain unity regardless of political affiliation.
Responding to the leaders’ requests, Hajjat Namyalo revealed that the ONC is planning additional empowerment interventions beyond agriculture, including support for vocational trades such as welding, bricklaying and other practical skills aimed at creating sustainable livelihoods.
She stressed that beneficiaries would be carefully identified in collaboration with local leaders to ensure that equipment and resources are allocated to individuals who are committed to productive work and economic growth.
According to Namyalo, the objective is to build self-sustaining communities by empowering citizens with the tools, skills and opportunities needed to generate income and improve their quality of life.
The nationwide seed distribution campaign comes at a critical time as farmers across Uganda prepare for the new planting season, with access to quality inputs expected to play a vital role in increasing agricultural productivity and strengthening household economies.
