The government has pinned its hopes on church leaders in the Kigezi sub-region as key partners in the fight against household poverty, declining food production, and low incomes.
Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa said all religious institutions need to stop relying heavily on offertory collections to run and develop their institutions, saying the approach is no longer sustainable in the current economic environment.
Mr Tayebwa advised that churches and mosques should instead invest in income-generating activities by making productive use of idle land.
‘You have school land and church land in your diocese; use it for production. What we request is that you come here to learn; after this, go and teach the people you lead in your areas,’ he said.
He made the remarks on Tuesday while addressing religious leaders from the Kigezi Sub-region during a two-day study tour of Kana Farm in Kabarole District, and Kamanyire Farm, Kakumiro Model farm all in Kakumiro District.
‘Religious leaders have big gatherings every Sunday and Friday. People listen to you more than us politicians. You already have structures and networks. What you have learned here, go and teach others so they can improve their livelihoods,’ he said.
Empower communities
Mr Fred Byamukama, the owner of Kamanyire Farm in Kakumiro District, said religious leaders should preach messages that empower people to overcome poverty.
‘Church leaders command a large following; they should teach people how to rise out of poverty,’ Mr Byamukama, who is also the State minister for transport, said.
He added that in sub-regions like Kigezi, where the average landholding is between one and two acres, communities need to adopt the four-acre model so that their small pieces of land can be efficiently used for selected enterprises that generate daily income.
He added that through his own four-acre model farm, he earns Shs72 million monthly.
The Prime Minister, Ms Robinah Nabbanja, advised Parish Development Model (PDM) beneficiaries to start the four-acre model style of farming with a single activity, such as poultry farming, because it does not require modern infrastructure, and simple construction materials can be used.
The Bishop of Kinkiizi Diocese, Rt Rev Dan Zoreka, said it is true that many clergy and Christians have land but lack exposure to modern methods of maximising small plots.
‘It is true that even with a small piece of land, one can earn more if it is well utilised with the right enterprises. We still have many people with acres of land who continue to complain of poverty, so we shall teach them what we have learned,’ he said.