Gideon Tumwijukye | Tayari News
KABALE – Elders in Kabale District have raised concern over escalating poverty levels in the Kigezi sub-region, calling for urgent and coordinated efforts to reverse the trend.
Under their umbrella, Kabale District Elders Forum, which brings together elders from the Greater Kabale area, including the districts of Kabale, Rukiga, and Rubanda, the senior citizens say something is wrong.
The elders observe that despite Kigezi’s rich natural resources and strong human capital, the region continues to lag behind other parts of Uganda in socio-economic development.
Dr Francis Runumi, the advisor to the forum, attributes the slow pace of development to a lack of unity among leaders in the sub-region.
“One of the biggest challenges we face in Kigezi is that our leaders do not speak with one voice on matters of development. There is too much division along religious and sectarian lines, and this has greatly slowed down efforts to eradicate poverty,” Dr Runumi said.
He added that land fragmentation and shortages have worsened food insecurity in the region, urging government intervention through mechanised agriculture.
“Our land is becoming smaller and less productive due to fragmentation. Government needs to step in and support mechanisation so that we can increase productivity and ensure food security,” he noted.
Dr Runumi also cited poor infrastructure, especially roads, as a major barrier to economic growth.
“Without proper roads and infrastructure, farmers cannot access markets, investors cannot come in, and development remains a dream,” he added.
He further emphasised the importance of investing in youth development.
“Over 70 per cent of Uganda’s population is youth. We need recreational and talent development centres to nurture their potential and keep them productively engaged,” he said.
Night Beine, a retired head teacher from Kabale District, said that although the government has introduced several poverty eradication programs, many beneficiaries lack proper guidance on how to utilise the funds.
“The government has tried to introduce poverty eradication programs, but our people are not guided on how to use the money effectively,” Beine said.
She faulted agricultural extension officers for not reaching grassroots communities.
“Agricultural officers need to go down to the people, guide them on how to use seed capital, and teach them modern farming practices if we are to move out of poverty,” she added.
The Emeritus Bishop of the Diocese of Kigezi, Rt. Rev. William Rukirande urged residents to compete favourably with other regions in development and make better use of local resources.
“We must struggle and compete with other regions. Kigezi is blessed with resources like Lake Bunyonyi and iron ore deposits. These should be tapped to improve household incomes and promote regional growth,” Bishop Rukirande said.
Nicholas Byengoma, Managing Director of Nicontra Limited, encouraged farmers to form cooperatives to strengthen their market position.
“When farmers are organised into cooperatives, they gain bargaining power and can secure better prices for their produce. This is one practical way of lifting our communities out of poverty,” Byengoma explained.
The Chairperson of the Kabale District Elders Forum, Maj. Gen. Timothy Sabiiti Mutebile stressed the importance of operationalising Kabale City as a driver of regional development.
“For Kigezi to develop, Kabale City must be fully operational. Urbanisation is part and parcel of economic transformation,” Mutebile said.
He revealed that the Elders Forum had petitioned the President of Uganda regarding the matter, but the process was delayed due to the country heading into election campaigns.
“We petitioned the President, but the country was entering the election period, which delayed the operationalisation. However, we remain hopeful that this will be addressed,” he added.
The elders resolved to continue engaging stakeholders and government authorities to ensure concrete measures are taken to tackle poverty and unlock the full development potential of the Kigezi sub-region.
