Gov’t Launches St. Teresa Demonstration Farm in Kibaale to Boost Community Finance

By Joellah Anshemeza

In a strategic effort to enhance community finance, the government launched the St. Teresa Demonstration Farm in Mugarama Sub-County, Kibaale District on 13 July, 2024. This initiative aims to empower the Hoima Catholic Diocese community by distributing high-quality piglets as seed capital.

According to Microfinance Support Centre (MSC), this piggery seed capital programme is a crucial strategic initiative to accelerate sustainable socio-economic empowerment in the Bunyoro-Kitara Region. This initiative made possible through financial support from the MSC, is a collaboration with the Catholic Diocese of Hoima, aiming to support faith-based organisations in eradicating poverty, redistributing wealth, and improving the quality of life for communities in the greater Bunyoro Kitara region.

The local community warmly welcomed the project, recognising its potential to create wealth and job opportunities. During the launch event, high-quality piglets of an excellent breed were distributed to various community associations, providing them with the necessary capital to start and grow their piggery ventures.

The area Member of Parliament, Hon. Emilly Kugonza who officiated over the launch, urged the recipients to fully embrace the project. He emphasised the importance of achieving positive results to inspire broader community participation. He highlighted the ultimate goal of multiplying the initial piglets so that more community members can benefit over time.

“This initiative is a stepping stone towards sustainable growth and development in our region. We must ensure that the first beneficiaries succeed so that others are encouraged to join and benefit from this programme,” Hon. Kugonza remarked.

The Resident District Commissioner of Kibaale, Godwin Angalia also addressed the gathering, advising all recipients of piglets to utilise them for wealth creation purposes. He emphasised that his office, along with other security operatives, would monitor the beneficiaries to ensure proper implementation of the project.

The Public Relations Manager of the Microfinance Support Centre, Tadeo Atuhura highlighted the strategic importance of partnering with faith institutions to reach out to communities for wealth creation and mass sensitisation.

“By boosting the incomes of the active poor, this strategy aims to generate wealth at the individual and household levels through various enterprises, which can also create jobs for the community,” he stated.

The launch of the St. Teresa Demonstration Farm marks a significant step towards achieving sustainable socio-economic transformation among the Banyoro communities in Bunyoro Kitara. With continued support and dedication, this initiative promises to transform the lives of many in the community, fostering a brighter and more prosperous future.

Ms Joellah Anshemeza is a Communications Officer at the Government Citizens Interaction Centre (GCIC)