Clare
Residents of Bunyangabu who have benefited from the Agriculture Development Program (ADP) by Caritas Fort Portal have been urged to remember the needy as they share their success stories in sustainable agriculture.
This message was yesterday delivered by Rev. Fr. Joseph Musana, Director of Caritas Fort Portal, during his address to about 19 beneficiary groups of the ADP program at Kyamatanga parish, Buheesi Town Council, Bunyangabu District gathered for the launch of the ADP Consolidation Phase, which is set to end in 2026.
CARITAS serving all people of God regardless of Religion
Fr. Musana explained that Caritas means “love of humankind” and emphasized that, through Caritas, the Pope calls for humanity without segregation, advocating for socio-economic development for the oppressed.
“This is the reason why Bishop Muhiirwa supports Caritas projects in the Diocese regardless of religion, tribe, or ethnicity. Oppression knows of no religion, and the Pope emphasizes for all humanity in the Caritas program.” Noted Fr Musana
The Caritas Fort Portal Director, also praised the Bishop for his dedication to advancing Caritas projects and commended the beneficiaries for implementing the lessons they have learned. This, he said, is not only the best way to appeal for additional funding but also an essential step for ensuring long-term benefits, even after the project ends. Fr. Musana urged the beneficiaries to protect the environment, as emphasized by the Pope in his encyclical Laudato Si.
“The Pope in his letter, Laudato Si praises God for the mother Earth, and calls each of us to protect the environment. One of the key rolesvthst Caritas advocates for. Ensure to practice the agriculture you have been taught, which are environmental friendly.” Urged Fr Musana
Call for Entertainmental protection
Ann Manyindo, the ADP project manager at Caritas, explained that the project is environmentally friendly, focusing on organic practices such as biogas production using cow dung, organic fertilizers in plantations, and tree planting. She urged the local population to embrace the program as a way to combat climate change, which has recently caused severe weather events like floods and prolonged droughts in the region.
“We are very aware of the ongoing challenges about Climate change, and one of our priorities in this project is to conserve the environment. We are promoting tree planting, encouraging fuel wood conservation, and we are using indigenous knowledge so that we don’t negatively affect the climate. We highly encourage all beneficiaries to ensure not harming the environment, but protecting it for the next generation.” Emphasized Manyindo
Manyindo, also highlighted that, over time, the program will not only improve household incomes but also help address long-standing issues like malnutrition, since the farmers can have food from their projects and have surplus for sale, including green vegetables fruits among others.
She called on the government to collaborate with Caritas by providing more veterinary services to help farmers who are losing their livestock due to inadequate animal health care, and address prevailing security issues and poor infrastructure which hinders farmers from accessing the markets.
The ADP project manager, further urged beneficiaries to embrace collective market to solve issues of selling their products on low prices.
Yusta Asiimwe, the District Production Officer for Bunyangabu, praised the Catholic Diocese of Fort Portal for empowering local farmers through impactful Caritas projects. She emphasized the need for a mindset shift, encouraging more groups to embrace collective agriculture to boost market sales. Asiimwe also mentioned the possibility of increased veterinary services in the current financial year and full support for the Diocese in alleviating poverty in their district.
On behalf of the Board of Governors of Caritas, Mr. Dennis Mugarra commended Bishop Muhiirwa for his commitment to empowering farmers and the Caritas staff for their efforts in fighting poverty in Bunyangabu.
ADP Consolidation Phase Launced
The Chief Guest, Bishop Robert Muhiirwa Akiiki, who launched the ADP Consolidation Phase, urged political leaders to mobilize the community to raise funds and use district equipment to improve impassable roads, which hinder the transportation of farmers’ produce to markets. He also encouraged beneficiaries to make use of Saccos (Savings and Credit Cooperatives) and invest in high-demand crops to improve household income.
Bishop Muhiirwa further called for increased security for people’s property ahead of the Christmas festivities and encouraged the youth to pursue sexual purity as a way to help end the spread of HIV/AIDS.
