Buvuma Farmers Receives Maize Harvest Equipments Worthy Shs 360 Million

By: Wasswa Zebio

‎‎Buvuma District has handed over 15 maize shellers, each valued at Shs 24 million, and 600 tarpaulins to farmer groups across the district. The items, were provided by the Government of Uganda through the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) under the Agriculture Value Chain Project (AVCP).

‎‎The handover ceremony, held at the district headquarters on 11th September 2025, attracted farmer groups from Nairambi, Busamuzi, Buwooya, Bugaya, Bweema, and Buvuma Town Council.

‎‎While addressing the farmers, Buvuma County Member of Parliament, Hon. Migadde Robert Ndugwa, urged beneficiaries to use the equipment responsibly to transform livelihoods and fight poverty. He warned against ferrying the items out of the district, stressing that they are strictly meant to support Buvuma farmers.

‎‎“Government borrowed funds to implement the Agriculture Value Chain Project targeting maize, rice, and dairy farmers. Since some people are already benefiting from oil palm, this is an alternative livelihood program for maize growers,” Hon. Migadde said. He added that rice farmers will receive their consignment in the next phase.

‎‎The District LCV Chairperson, Mr. Wasswa Adrian Ddungu, reminded farmers of the high value of the equipment and urged them to share the shellers with fellow farmers through hire arrangements. “We thank the Government of Uganda for this support. Please take good care of these machines and allow others to benefit too,” he emphasized.

‎Chief Administrative Officer, Mr. Isa Mbooge, noted that the intervention will significantly improve post-harvest handling and reduce losses. He explained that the initiative is aligned with the National Development Plan IV (NDPIV), which aims at transitioning Ugandans from subsistence farming to commercial production. “We are resorting to agro-processing to create surplus for the market,” he said.

‎‎Farmers who received the equipment expressed gratitude, saying the machines will ease the burden of manual shelling and boost productivity.

‎‎The ceremony was also attended by the District Internal Security Officer’s representative, the District Production Officer, local leaders, and civil servants.