Rukungiri Cooperative Launches UGX 299 Million Tractor to Boost Agricultural Productivity
Rukungiri: The Rukungiri Livestock Breeders and Food Security Cooperative Society (LIB4SECS) has officially launched a tractor and its implements worth UGX 299 million to improve agricultural production and mechanization among its members.
The launch was held on July 24, at the cooperative headquarters in Kebisoni Town Council, Rukungiri District. It was attended by several leaders, including Rukungiri District LCV Chairperson Andrewson Katebire, Principal Assistant Secretary Fatuma Kamanzi representing the Chief Administrative Officer, District Production Officer Pius Onek, District Principal Commercial Officer Grace Tayebwa, Emeritus Bishop of North Kigezi Rt. Rev. Patrick Tugume Tusingwire, Archdeacon of Kakinga Archdeaconry Ven. Andrew Kananura, Kebisoni Town Council Mayor Leonard Muhunguzi, and other guests.
Speaking during the launch, the Board Chairperson of LIB4SECS, Samuel Ahabwe, said the cooperative acquired the tractor through the Local Economic Growth (LEG) Project under the Ministry of Local Government. The project is funded by the Islamic Development Bank in partnership with the Ministry of Finance and the Microfinance Support Centre.
Ahabwe explained that the government contributed 60 percent of the cost, while the cooperative will pay the remaining 40 percent which is UGX 103 million, including insurance.
He said the tractor and its implements will help solve many of the challenges farmers have faced over the years. The machinery will support timely land preparation and planting, reduce reliance on expensive labour, improve transportation of farm inputs and harvested produce, reduce post-harvest losses, and increase agricultural productivity.
According to Ahabwe, timely farming operations are key to achieving better harvests and higher incomes, adding that the investment will strengthen food security, improve household incomes, and promote agricultural commercialization in Rukungiri District and beyond.
CUE IN….AHABWE… RR/ENG
Addressing the gathering, Rukungiri District LCV Chairperson Andrewson Katebire urged the cooperative’s management to remain transparent and accountable in managing the new equipment to ensure it benefits members.
Katebire also warned against the misuse of cooperative funds, revealing that he has directed the District Commercial Officer to identify board members of cooperatives and SACCOs accused of embezzling members’ money so that they can be arrested and investigations carried out to recover the funds.
CUE IN….KATEBIRE… RR