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As Uganda heads toward the 2026 General Election, voters in Tororo District and the wider Sebei Sub-region have outlined a list of priorities they want the next president to address to improve service delivery and livelihoods.

In the 2021 elections, President Museveni garnered 86,248 votes (58.38 percent) in Tororo District, defeating his closest challenger, Mr Robert Kyagulanyi, aka Bobi Wine, of the National Unity Platform (NUP), who received 54,556 votes.

However, many voters now say their expectations from the government remain unmet and want concrete action before the next polls. At the top of Tororo’s demands is the operationalisation of the proposed three new districts and a city, which were carved out of the old Tororo District but have yet to become functional.

Tororo Municipality MP Yeri Apollo Ofwono said residents believe implementing these administrative units would improve service delivery and reduce governance bottlenecks.

Health services under strain

Health service delivery also dominates the list of voter concerns. Mr James Onyango, the district councillor for Nagongera Sub-county, urged the government to upgrade existing health centre IVs-Mukuju, Nagongera, and Mulanda-to hospital level and elevate Tororo General Hospital to a regional referral hospital.

‘Our district hospital is overstretched. Upgrading these facilities would ease congestion and reduce the distance patients travel to access care,’ Mr Onyango said.

He added that a regional referral hospital in Tororo would serve neighbouring districts, including Busia, Namisindwa, Manafwa, Butaleja, and parts of western Kenya.

War victims’ compensation

In Lyolwa Sub-county, local leaders are demanding compensation for victims of the Alice Lakwena insurgency, which devastated parts of eastern Uganda in the late 1980s. Mr Benjamin Oketcho, the chairperson of Lyolwa, said the community has waited in vain since presenting a compensation memo to President Museveni in 2015.

‘Many lives and properties were lost during the Lakwena war. Just like the government has compensated victims elsewhere, our people also deserve justice and recovery support,’ he said.

Infrastructure development remains a sore point for many locals. Ms Miria Okumu, the district councillor for Paya and Sere sub-counties, urged government to tarmac the Tororo-Nagongera-Busolwe road, which she said has appeared in annual budgets for years without progress.

Former journalist and now LC5 aspirant Paul Gonza called for the establishment of regional nursery seed beds for coffee and cocoa, saying these crops have been identified as new cash crops for Bukedi Sub-region to replace cotton.

Leaders are also demanding revival of the Oriental Industrial and Business Park project along the Tororo-Jinja highway, which has stalled since its groundbreaking in 2024.

Mr Lukas Okamar, the chairperson of Kayoro Sub-county, said the park was expected to host 10 factories and create more than 1,000 jobs.

‘It was supposed to be built by a consortium of Chinese investors, but nothing has happened since the groundbreaking,’ he said.

In addition, residents of Malaba Town Council are calling for the long-awaited construction of the Tororo Inland Port, while others want government to revive the Osukuru Phosphate Fertiliser Factory to make affordable fertiliser accessible to farmers.

Sebei’s demands

In the neighbouring Sebei Sub-region, voters are equally frustrated by the state of roads. Key roads in poor condition include Siron-Tumboboi-Ngangta, Kapsoyoy-Mariny, Kuryondet-Sanzara, Kapchesombe-Kwoti, and Kaserem-Kawowo, among others.

Locals say the poor road network has inflated transport costs, keeping farmers in poverty despite fertile soils. Rev Martin Chelangat of the Pentecostal Assemblies of God Church said farmers face additional challenges such as fake agro-inputs, lack of storage facilities, and limited markets for their produce.

‘Many farmers incur heavy losses after harvest because of poor storage and lack of value addition. Pests and fake seeds have also worsened the situation,’ Rev Chelangat said.

Mr Osman Sayekwo, the eastern youth coordinator for the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT), said farmers are often cheated by middlemen due to the absence of local markets.

‘A bunch of matooke that costs Shs15,000 in town is sold for only Shs5,000 to middlemen in the villages. Farmers are being exploited,’ he said.

Mr Mark Cherop, a project officer with KACSOA, said the government should construct storage facilities at parish or sub-county level and support value addition to stabilise farm incomes.

Mr Fred Kiprop Sikuku, a senior agricultural engineer in Kapchorwa, said education, markets, and infrastructure must all be improved if poverty is to be reduced sustainably.

In Kween District, more than five sub-counties-including Ngenge, Chepsikunya, Giriki, Binyiny, Benet, and Sundet-still lack government-aided secondary schools. Mr Caleb Noah Cherotich, a resident of Kween County, also called for more classroom desks to improve learning environments.

Top demands

Operationalise three new districts and a city.

Upgrade Health Centre IVs to hospitals, Tororo District Hospital to regional referral.

Tarmac key roads; revive Oriental Industrial Park and Tororo Inland Port.

Establish coffee/cocoa seedbeds, build storage and value-add centres.

Supply desks, expand secondary schools in underserved sub-counties.

Compensate Lakwena war victims, address FGM cases.

Expand electricity connections.

A few months ago, political parties were deep in the process of internal primaries, selecting flag bearers for various elective positions. These positions range from members of parliament and mayors to councillors and representatives of special interest groups, including persons with disabilities (PWDs).

Peace Ikiriza, a 40-year-old woman who hails from Namabale Village in Kassanda District, who is deaf and non-verbal, was among those who stepped into the political arena, contesting for the position of district female councillor representing PWDs, in the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party primaries.

It was a courageous bid that highlighted both the possibilities and the persistent challenges facing PWDs in the country’s political process.

Ikiriza’s attempt to enter local politics came through the college system, the electoral process used for special interest groups in Uganda. While the system is meant to ensure representation, it has also been criticised for limiting wider voter participation and being susceptible to manipulation.

Speaking through a sign language interpreter, Ikiriza described the process as ‘tough and exhausting.’

‘I was competing with another woman, who is a little person. I began saving money for the campaign two years ago. My husband, siblings, and friends also chipped in, helping me with the costs,’ she says.

Despite being non-verbal, the mother of three, who lives in Maganjo, Wakiso District, with her family, ran a grassroots campaign. With the help of interpreters and visual materials, she managed to put her message across.

As the founder of the Deaf Girls and Women Rights Network and an advocate with the National Association of Parents with Deaf Children (NAPADEC), the politician is no stranger to pushing boundaries. However, this time, she found resistance not just from the outside world, but even from within the disability community.

‘Some people do not believe that a non-verbal person can represent them. But I managed to create awareness. There are a few deaf people in Kassanda, and most of them have never attended school. I met parents of deaf children and other PWDs who had never seen a deaf person competing with other people,’ she shares.

Ikiriza also worked with Reach a Voice Uganda (RAVU), an organisation that focuses on sexual reproductive health among PWDs.

The challenges

As with other candidates in the race, Ikiriza faced financial hurdles in running her campaign, especially coupled with the fact that she had spent many years without living in Kassanda District. This meant she had to spend a lot of time introducing herself to the people.

‘I did not receive any support from my political party, yet the campaign was costly. I had to move with an interpreter at all times. The interpreter lived in Kampala, and I had to pay him between Shs150,000 and Shs200,000 every day, depending on the distance we had to travel. I also had to buy him lunch and supper daily,’ she explains.

The electoral college has 75 delegates, and the politician decries the fact that she had to spend a lot of money on them.

‘That group is all about money. You need to spend money to bribe them. Sometimes, I would receive calls from them at night, when the interpreter had already left. I could not answer those calls. Some of them have outdated mobile phones that cannot be used for social media. I also had challenges with purchasing data every day to use on WhatsApp,’ she notes.

Ikiriza also opens up about experiencing sexual harassment during the campaign, an issue that continues to plague women in politics across the country.

‘Some men thought that because I am a PWD and a woman, I would be easy to manipulate. It was demeaning. Sexual harassment is real. When you ask someone to campaign for you, he will ask for your body in payment. So, you need to focus. A man will ask, ‘How will I benefit from your success?’ So, that is a challenge,’ she explains.

Ikiriza also points out that the election attracted people who did not have a disability but wanted to take advantage of the rampant corruption in political offices. She says the electoral college was a stumbling block to her bid.

‘Some people who had four fingers on one hand came in to say they were disabled. They were made delegates in the electoral college. Some claimed to be PWDs simply because they had undergone surgery. Then, there was the negative attitude. PWDs look down on deaf people. They would de-campaign me, saying if I were elected, the district would have to hire an interpreter,’ she adds.

Ikiriza’s journey into politics was not just a public challenge; it was a personal one, too. Initially, her husband, who is also deaf, opposed her decision to contest. But, over time, he saw her passion and commitment and eventually offered his full support.

‘He does not believe in politics. He really hates it. I had to stand my ground and tell him that I needed to serve my people. He agreed to support me but asked me to remember that I have a family to take care of as well. I thank him because he understood the situation,’ she says.

Way forward

Though she did not win the party flag, the politician remains undeterred. With a growing platform as a disability rights advocate, she has set her sights on the future and is not backing down.

‘That was just the beginning. I will contest again in 2030. Even if I live in Kampala, what is important is that I have a social network. Instead of living in the village, doing nothing, I can lobby for development from Kampala. It is only a two-hour drive to Kassanda, and I go there every weekend. I got 30 votes out of the 75 from the electoral college, so I cannot forget my people,’ she vows.

While she learnt many things on the campaign trail, Ikiriza knows that for now, she does not have the power to change anything.

‘There are people who have been in offices for many years but have failed to create an impact with the PWDs. So, we need to empower PWDs to take up political office. We need people who can work for our people. That is my dream; empower PWDs in Kassanda, instead of keeping quiet,’ she explains.

Ikiriza believes that the college-based electoral system for PWDs needs reform, because it leaves too much room for exclusion. It is time that the PWDs voted directly.

‘The major issue is inclusion. Some PWDs are empowered while others are not. The PWD MPs focus more on their electoral collages, which brought them to power, instead of focusing on developing the PWDs in the villages. So, the electoral college system has not helped us. We should be voting in our regions, with regional representatives,’ she advises.

Ikiriza is now concentrating on her advocacy work of empowering deaf women, who she says face oppression from their families and other people.

‘On the campaign trail, I met several girls who had nothing to use during their periods. That was my inspiration to start a project that makes reusable pads. Most of the time, I use my money to buy the materials. I hope that one day, a Good Samaritan will stand with me,’ she notes.

Ikiriza’s story is one of determination, resilience, and hope. It is a powerful reminder that representation matters and that inclusion should not be a privilege, but a right. As Uganda moves forward in its democratic journey, voices like hers must not only be heard, but they must be supported, empowered, and protected.

Residents of Busoga have expressed hope that the ongoing upgrade of the Iganga-Luuka-Kamuli Road from murrum to tarmac will spur economic growth in the sub-region.

The Shs300 billion project, which is being undertaken by Arab Contractors Ltd, is expected to be completed within 36 months.

Ms Lydia Mbwali, a resident of Walugogo Valley in Iganga District, said for decades, residents of Busoga Sub-region have endured poor roads characterised by potholes, dust, and a muddy, virtually impassable state during the rainy season.

‘The road is expected to boost trade, agriculture, and transport across the Busoga region, one of Uganda’s most densely populated areas,’ Mr Mbwali said.

Mr Johnson Bukusuba, a businessman in Luuka Town, said farmers, traders, transporters and travellers have long complained about high transport costs, vehicle breakdowns, and difficulty accessing markets.

‘We have been waiting for this road for many years. Its completion will completely change our lives,’ Mr Bukusuba, said.

‘The farmers will finally transport their produce to markets in Iganga and Kamuli without losses, and traders like us will be able to restock our shops more easily,’ Mr Bukusuba added.

The locals expect transport fares to reduce after the project is completed. They also look forward to improved access to social services such as schools and health centres, especially for residents in remote villages.

Currently, travelling from Iganga Town to Luuka Town costs Shs10,000 on a motorcycle. This high fare is due to the poor state of the road, forcing boda boda riders to charge exorbitantly for the short distance.

Boosting economic growth

Locals believe the new road will become an economic lifeline for Busoga, a region that relies heavily on agriculture and trade.

Mr Medi Balikoowa, a boda boda rider in Kamuli Town, said the improved transport network will ease the movement of sugarcane, maize, rice, and other produce to major markets in Jinja and Kampala.

‘It will also attract investors to establish new businesses and industries along the corridor. This is a game-changer for Busoga,’ Mr Balikoowa said.

The road project falls under the government’s broader infrastructure development plan aimed at improving rural connectivity and supporting regional integration.

Ms Scovia Nabirye, a teacher in Kamuli District, said the upgraded road will ensure safety of travellers.

She added: ‘It will open up new economic opportunities for traders, farmers, and ordinary residents.’ Busoga leaders expressed hope that the upgraded road would resolve rampant poverty and unemployment in the sub-region by spurring economic development. The Iganga-Luuka-Kamuli Road is also expected to foster social unity by connecting previously isolated communities.

The LC5 Chairperson of Luuka District, Mr Simon Wakaze, said the people of Busoga are grateful to the NRM government for fulfilling its long-awaited promise of upgrading the road.

‘This is a promise that has taken long to be fulfilled, but we are now happy that it has finally become a reality,’ Mr Wakaze said.

He urged leaders and residents in the region to support the contractor and ensure that the project is completed smoothly and on time.

Mr Wakaze said Luuka is a major sugarcane-growing area, and the new road will greatly benefit farmers by improving the transportation of sugarcane and other agricultural produce to factories and markets. He explained that the road will connect to Kayunga District and serve as one of the key highways in the region, enhancing trade and movement between districts.

‘Once this road is complete, the face of Busoga will change,’ Mr Balikoowa said, adding: ‘It will bring businesses closer, make life easier, and give our youth new hope.’

The Resident District Commissioner of Luuka District, Mr Michael Kibwika, said: ‘We have already secured the contractor, who is now on site. The contractor has brought in the necessary equipment and recruited workers, creating jobs for our people in the region.’

Mr Salah Radwan, the general manager of Arab Contractors Uganda Limited, said the company would execute the project on time. ‘We are ready for work. We have already started and purchased the quarry that will supply the materials needed for construction,’ Mr Radwan said.

The site engineer, Mr Abdallah Khedr, said the company had already compensated 18 out of the 19 owners of the rock that will be used as a quarry site for stones to be used on the roadworks.

‘Out of the 19 beneficiaries, 18 have already signed and received their compensation directly into their bank accounts. Only one person has not yet signed. We have fully compensated the rightful owners of the rock,’ Mr Khedr said.

Background

According to the National Household Report of 2023/2024, Busoga Sub-region remains the poorest sub-region in Uganda, with 44 percent of its population living below the poverty line.

This means Busoga’s poverty rate is significantly higher than the national average of 21.4 percent. The report indicates that Busoga, which comprises 12 districts: Namutumba, Kaliro, Bugweri, Mayuge, Namayingo, Bugiri, Buyende, Kamuli, Luuka, Iganga, Jinja City, and Jinja District, has a total population of 3,584,730 people.

Uganda’s coffee processors have set their sights on the global stage as the country’s coffee export earnings soared to $2.2b in the last financial year.

Having dispatched their first products on International Coffee Day, Inspire Africa Coffee chief executive officer Nelson Tugume said the company is ready to position Ugandan brands alongside the world’s biggest names.

‘Of course, there are challenges; logistics, market protectionism, and regulatory hurdles, but these are lessons we will navigate as we grow,’ he said, noting that they had launched four products: drip, roasted ground, roasted beans, and coffee capsules, with a branding that meets world-class standards.

He revealed that Inspire Africa Coffee had already shipped samples and secured early orders from Turkey, China, Russia, the United States, and parts of Europe.

By December 2025, the company expects to be exporting to at least four key markets: Turkey, China, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Tugume said the venture was built around creating jobs and adding value locally before export.

‘Our goal is not just to sell coffee abroad but to transform livelihoods here at home,’ he said, adding that more product lines are under development as the company strengthens Uganda’s presence in the global coffee value chain.

State Minister for Agriculture Fred Bwino Kyakulaga said Africa produces a large share of the world’s coffee yet earns only a fraction of global returns.

‘Africa earns just $3.6b from coffee, while the global coffee trade generates $460b. We take a very small share. That is why value addition is essential. It’s what enhances our coffee value chain and ensures farmers and processors benefit more from their hard work,’ he said.

Uganda’s focus on value addition comes amid growing international recognition, with Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) recently saying that Ugandan coffee is ranked third best in the world, behind Ethiopia and Kenya, in a study by professional tasters certified by the Coffee Quality Institute.

The study, which evaluated 1,229 samples harvested between 2010 and 2018, awarded Ethiopia 84.88 points, Kenya 84.31, and Uganda 84.05, cementing Uganda’s reputation for producing coffee with a superior flavour.

The office of the Director of Public Prosecutions has sanctioned Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Clive Nsiima’s criminal case file in which he is accused of assaulting a female attendant at a petrol station shop in Kyanja, a Kampala City suburb.

Police sources privy to the case confirmed to the Monitor that the suspect’s file was sanctioned and they were to produce him in court on Friday, but the documents were submitted late.

‘We couldn’t make it in time on Friday. Hopefully, he will be produced in court on Monday,’ a source said.

Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesman Patrick Onyango could either confirm or deny the sanctioning of the preferred charges, but he said they have reached the tail end of their tasks.

ASP Nsiima was seen in a viral video slapping a female shop attendant after she demanded that he pay for the items he and a female friend had picked in on October 7.

The viral video prompted the police to arrest and detain him last week. The spokesman of police, Mr Kituuma Rusoke condemned Nsiima’s action, and he said police were conducting an investigation.

Ms Pellan Atuhumurize, the victim, told the Daily Monitor last week that ASP Nsiima and a woman ordered a pack of condoms and two cans of beers, but they attempted to drive off without paying the bills, prompting her to prevent them from leaving, which angered them, leading to the attack captured on the shop’s CCTV camera.

‘A lady alighted from the car and walked to the counter. She asked me to pack her condoms, which I did. She told me that the money was in the car, so I should follow her and pick it,’ Ms Atuhumurize said.

‘When we reached the car, a gentleman inside the car told me to bring him two cans of Tusker Lite. I went back and brought them.’ Ms Atuhumurize said after handing over the items, the man attempted to drive off.

‘I grabbed his collar to prevent him from driving off without paying the bill. Then he stopped the car and got out. He followed me to the shop. He then started abusing me and other people who were in the shop, the man then slapped me twice,’ Ms Atuhumurize said.

A private security guard attached to Tayari Security, attempted to stop the attack but the police officer continued with his aggression.

The former Police Chief Political Commissar, Mr Asan Kasingye, said on his social media platform that the guard works for Tayari Security, a private security firm he heads.

‘I was the first person to be informed. The security guard you see in the video belongs to @TayarisSecurity. There is even more to this story. I am happy it will be investigated thoroughly. Let the police involve us at the company. For example, a pistol was drawn,’ said Mr Kasingye, a retired Assistant Inspector General of Police.

Vivo Energy Uganda, which owns the petrol station, condemned the attack.

‘We strongly condemn any form of violence or misconduct towards our staff or customers. We are in close contact with the attendant to ensure she receives the support she needs, and we are working with the Uganda Police to ensure the perpetrator is held accountable for his actions,’ a statement by Vivo Energy Uganda reads in part.

Other incidents in the country

Last year, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Julius Ahimbisibwe was suspected of shooting his ex-wife and injured her. Months later, SSP Ahimbisibwe was found dead in his home on suspicion that he had taken his life.

In February 2024, the Officer-in-charge of Alebtong District, ASP Moses Acaye, is alleged to have shot dead a civilian he accused of killing his relative in a mob action incident in Adjumani District.

ASP Acaye is still on the run. Another incident happened in December 2024, when a police officer, Constable Charles Bahati, shot dead a truck driver Julius Ssemwaka at Nakasero in Kampala City. Constable Bahati is still on the run.

Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja used the return of the Kampala City Festival yesterday to promise pothole-free roads to the thousands of city residents who attended.

Ms Nabbanja said road construction works in the city are ongoing and assured residents that Kampala will soon be free of dust and potholes.

‘Road network in the city has improved. I know you like good roads, but potholes will soon become history. The President directed that city roads, including the flyover, Jinja Road, and city centre, from Kubiri to Luweero, Nateete, Masaka, Busega, Mityana, be worked on. Works on roads in the industrial area are ongoing. We have also secured funds to work on Mubende Road,’ she said.

The Prime Minister was accompanied by the Executive Director of Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), Ms Sharifah Buzeki, and the Minister of Kampala and Metropolitan Affairs, Ms Minsa Kabanda, among other guests. Residents have long complained about the poor state of city roads, prompting the city authority to direct contractors to work both day and night.

Recently, officials from the Ministry of Works and Transport met with contractors whose projects had stalled due to delayed payments. The two sides agreed that the contractors would resume work as the government seeks funds to clear the outstanding arrears. Ms Nabbanja also told city residents that President Museveni had directed an increase in Parish Development Model funds allocated to city Saccos to match the growing population.

During his recent tour of Kampala, the President pledged to raise the amount given to PDM beneficiaries from Shs1 million to Shs3 million. The festival was organised by KCCA.

The KCCA Executive Director, Ms Buzeki, praised the Cabinet and President Museveni for approving the return of the festival.

She revealed that the proportion of tarmacked roads in the city is set to rise from the current 35 percent to 87 percent, while garbage collection will increase from 55 tonnes to 185 tonnes.

Air pollution levels, she added, are expected to drop from 40 microns to 25 microns. Ms Buzeki further added that the city plans to revive bus transport, create more work opportunities for residents, and position Kampala as a key tourist destination for East Africans and visitors from beyond. The last city festival was held in 2019.

The festival drew more than 500 exhibitors who gathered at the Kololo Independence Grounds to showcase their products. KCCA uses the festival to celebrate culture, unity, innovation, and social life.

By 7am, exhibitors from the business community and food vendors, who had set up their stalls a day earlier, had already arrived to display and sell a variety of goods and services. The event began with a float procession flagged off at Buganda Road by Ms Buzeki.

The procession moved through Kyaggwe Road, Kampala Road, and the Railway Grounds before heading to Kololo for the main celebrations.

Although an afternoon downpour briefly interrupted the event, organisers described it as a sign of blessings. Festivities continued into the night, with revellers entertained by various performances.

Since its February 2022 launch, the Parish Development Model (PDM) has raised hopes across Uganda. This flagship programme aims to shift 39 percent of households from subsistence to a money-based economy. Each subsistence household in an enterprise group or parish PDM Sacco has received Shs1m on a two-year grace period, and six percent annual interest.

Most funds target agricultural enterprises. Across Ugandan villages, most people have received the cash. But PDM is not just about handing out money. Cash is only one piece of the puzzle. Transformation depends on access to land, skills, quality inputs, market access, and the ability to overcome deep-rooted structural challenges-especially in agriculture, which remains largely rain-fed. The hidden crisis is land pressure and fragmentation.

One of the most urgent challenges facing PDM beneficiaries is the issue of land tenure security and land pressure. Land is a fundamental resource underpinning agricultural production and is vital for economic growth and investment, especially of farm enterprises. According to a 2024 Uganda Bureau of Statistics (Ubos) report, only 58 percent of adults have secure land tenure, with just 17 percent owning agricultural land. Uganda’s 2.9 percent population growth rate is among the highest globally, contributing to land fragmentation, particularly in rural areas. With a population density of 190 people per square kilometre, pressure on land is mounting. As a result, households cultivate smaller plots, and in many parishes, farmland is overused or no longer viable for sustained production. Farmers are cultivating land continuously, depleting soil fertility.

Although Ubos reports an average household size of 4.2 acres, some families of up to ten survive on less than half an acre. Land that once produced both food and cash crops is now depleted and yields little. Small parcels hinder the adoption of modern farming practices that could transform production into profitable enterprises, creating a major contradiction to the PDM’s goals.

With soils depleted, farmers are turning to fertilisers, pesticides, and herbicides. But the market is flooded with unregulated counterfeit, overpriced products, often misused due to inadequate training. The result is poor yields, environmental damage, health risks, and unsustainable farming. Farmers spend more on soil fertility, pests, and weeds, yet harvests remain low-trapping low-income households who hoped PDM would lift them from poverty.

The belief that Shs1m guarantees success ignores land shortages. True agricultural growth will depend on land security, good inputs, knowledge, infrastructure, and markets. For the PDM to succeed, loans must be seen to build lasting productivity, not an end. The Presidential Four-Acre Model suggests one acre each for cash crops, food, pasture/dairy, and fruit trees.

Yet many beneficiaries have under two acres, some less than one. Their success depends on making small plots highly productive through smart enterprise choices and sustainable practices. What needs to change? Match enterprises to land size by replacing one-size-fits-all with support tailored to land, soil, and market conditions.

Boost small-plot productivity with high-value, space-efficient enterprises like poultry, mushrooms, vegetables, and zero-grazing dairy, backed by quality inputs, irrigation, and skills training. Regulate agro-inputs and train farmers to enforce strict quality standards for fertilisers and pesticides and provide training to ensure safe and effective use.

Support soil fertility and land management by encouraging organic farming, certified compost, biofertilizers, and water harvesting. Make agricultural extension central to PDM with trained agricultural officers in every parish to give farmers guidance beyond the initial disbursement. The PDM bold ideas require planning, context, and follow-through. It should never be about asking, ‘Have people received the money?’ but rather, “Do they have what they need to succeed with it?’