The State Minister of Finance responsible for General Duties has urged the people of Kigezi Sub-region to shift from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture, optimizing their land use.
Henry Musasizi emphasized that this transition is essential for the community to overcome the persistent poverty affecting the area.
He expressed concern about the increasing poverty levels among families in the sub-region, despite the availability of fertile land and favorable weather conditions.
He pointed out that, on a national scale, the poverty rate is currently at 20.1%, however, in Kigezi, this figure has surged from 24% to 27%.
Minister Musasizi described the trend as alarming, emphasizing that poverty is worsening daily in the area and calling for united action among local leaders to tackle the problem.
He was speaking during the the end year Bishop’s Annual Appeal Fund (BAAF) for the Kabale Catholic Diocese at Our Lady of Good Shepherd Rushoroza Cathedral in Kabale Municipality.
The Minister highlighted the importance of leaders advocating for government initiatives designed to alleviate poverty, such as the Parish Development Model (PDM).
Additionally, Musasizi also praised the Bishop of Kabale Catholic Diocese, Rt. Rev. Callist Rubaramira, for his ongoing commitment to fostering development at the household level.
According to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) National Population and Housing Census 2024 report, 33.1% of households participate in subsistence farming, showcasing the persistence of traditional livelihoods.
Further the report indicates that 42.6% of youth aged 15 to 24 are classified as Not in Employment, Education, or Training (NEET), underscoring a significant challenge for workforce development and other related issues.
The survey shows that 74% of Ugandans aged 10 and older are literate (can read and write), 81.1% of households have access to improved water sources, while 53.4% have electricity; however, only 25.3% are connected to the national power grid.
