President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called on leaders in Teso sub-region to combat land fragmentation, warning that the practice undermines development and wealth creation.
Addressing a gathering at Vice President Jessica Alupo’s home in Katakwi District on Monday, November 18, 2024, Museveni emphasized the importance of cohesive land management and proactive leadership in transforming the region.
As part of his regional wealth creation assessment tour in Teso sub-region, President Yoweri Museveni visited the home of Vice President Jessica Alupo in Katakwi District, where he reiterated the urgent need to address land fragmentation to spur development.
The President, who toured Alupo’s model farm featuring poultry, piggery, fish farming, banana cultivation, and dairy farming, commended her for setting an example in wealth creation. He used the occasion to share insights into sustainable land management and how it can foster socio-economic transformation.
“Land fragmentation remains a major obstacle to development. When families divide land upon inheritance, they often destroy the very foundation of their wealth,” Museveni said. He advocated for alternative approaches to resource management, citing lessons from European systems and his experiences with development in Kabale District.
Museveni illustrated his point with an analogy:
“I told the people in Kabale, ‘I have one water pot but five homes. Should I break the pot to share it?’ They wisely suggested bringing water and distributing it. That’s the principle we must adopt—sharing resources without destroying them.”
A Call for Change
The President highlighted the importance of adopting the four-acre model for land use, particularly for households with smaller holdings. This approach focuses on intensive and diversified farming to maximize output and income.
Museveni expressed optimism about changing attitudes toward land use, saying, “The problem of Africa is sleep—it’s amazing how people can remain asleep. But I am glad to see that people are waking up slowly.”
He shared a personal anecdote about his mother’s transformation through Christianity as an example of how cultural shifts can lead to socio-economic progress.
“If my mother, a traditional woman, could learn to boil milk and knit from the church, then change is possible for everyone,” Museveni remarked.
Vice President Alupo’s Visionary Approach
Vice President Alupo, inspired by Museveni’s vision, explained how her family has implemented strategies to prevent land fragmentation. She detailed how income from their farm is pooled into a joint account to sustain their agricultural ventures.
“The land acquired by our father was shared among nine children and our mother. By managing it collectively, we’ve avoided the pitfalls of fragmentation,” Alupo said.
She highlighted the success of their farm’s diverse enterprises and underscored their alignment with Museveni’s four-acre model.
“We are embracing comprehensive agricultural practices to fight poverty and improve livelihoods in the region,” she added.
A Path Forward for Teso
President Museveni concluded his address by urging local leaders to champion sustainable practices and work collaboratively to implement his vision for land use and wealth creation.
“I am happy to see progress in Teso, and I urge all leaders to prioritize this fight against land fragmentation. Together, we can build a prosperous future,” he said.
Museveni’s visit marks a significant step in the government’s ongoing efforts to promote agricultural innovation and sustainable land management across Uganda.
