Rubabo MP-Elect Rwabugumi Launches Distribution of 150,000 Coffee Seedlings

Rukungiri: The Member of Parliament-elect for Rubabo Constituency in Rukungiri District, Hon. Mathias Mwesigwa Rwabugumi, has launched the distribution of 150,000 coffee seedlings to farmers in the constituency as part of efforts to fight poverty and boost household incomes.

The official launch was held on May 4, at Nyarushanje Sub-county headquarters, where residents from different parts of the constituency gathered to receive the seedlings.

Speaking during the launch, Rwabugumi said the exercise has started in Nyarushanje and Kebisoni Sub-counties, including Kebisoni Town Council. He added that other areas, including Buyanja and Nyakyishenyi Sub-counties and Buyanja Town Council, will also receive their share of the seedlings.

Rwabugumi explained that the seedlings were secured from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF). He said he had requested for 400,000 coffee seedlings but has so far received 150,000, expressing hope that more seedlings will be provided in the future.

He noted that 10 farmers were selected from each cell and that every farmer will receive 20 coffee seedlings. He assured farmers that the seedlings are free from pests and urged beneficiaries not to sell them, but instead plant them to improve their livelihoods and fight poverty.

Rwabugumi also pledged to provide fertilizers in the future to help farmers improve coffee production. He encouraged residents to dig more coffee pits in preparation for increased coffee growing.

Isaac Kaharuza, who represented the Rukungiri District NRM Chairperson and Minister for Security, Rt. Maj. Gen. Jim Muhwezi Katugugu, urged beneficiaries to properly plant and care for the seedlings so that they can achieve better harvests in the future.

The Regional Agricultural Officer from MAAIF in charge of coffee production in Rukungiri and Kanungu districts, Memory Akanyijuka, also advised farmers to protect their coffee gardens and properly manage the seedlings for better yields.

Some of the beneficiaries, including Meri Tushemerirwe, Poli Tumuheirwe, Mathias Murumba, and Cleophas Ndyabimara Sunday, thanked Hon. Rwabugumi for extending services to the people even before officially taking office as Member of Parliament. They expressed hope in his leadership and asked him to continue lobbying for more services for the constituency.