President Museveni addressing his supporters during a campaign rally
The high cost of fertilisers, which had become a major constraint for tea growers, especially those managing large estates, has prompted President Yoweri Museveni to announce that the government will establish a dedicated special fund to enable tea farmers in Kanungu District to access affordable fertilisers.
“My people – the tea growers – are saying that the cost of fertilizers is too high and it is becoming unaffordable for large-scale growers. We are going to start a special fund for them so that they can easily access these fertilizers,” Museveni said while addressing thousands of supporters during a campaign rally at Rwere Playground in Kanungu District on Wednesday, 26th November, 2025.
He added that the financing would be channeled through farmers’ SACCOs, similar to the model the government is preparing for sugarcane growers and fishermen.
Tea growing is the economic backbone of Kanungu District, supported by large factories that process both estate tea and out-grower leaf.
The President noted that the crop is best suited for people with extensive acreage, just like maize, sugarcane, and cotton, which require substantial land to generate meaningful income.
For smallholder farmers, the President emphasized the 4-Acre Model, introduced in the 1996 NRM manifesto, as a proven pathway out of poverty.
At the same rally, President Museveni placed peace at the top of what he termed the “seven contributions of NRM”, arguing that national stability remains the most essential achievement of his leadership.
He reminded residents of Kanungu – situated near the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) – that they understand better the value of peace, given the insecurity that persists across the border.
“You, the people of Kanungu who are near the Congo border, know better what peace means,” he said, contrasting Uganda’s decades of stability with the turmoil faced by neighbouring countries.
The President said Uganda’s peace-building success was achieved without reliance on international forces.
“Uganda – we don’t need the United Nations to protect us. We do it ourselves because we emphasize prioritization of what is essential in defence and not high salaries or good houses,” he noted.
Museveni credited the NRM government with transforming Uganda’s road network and linking border points to major economic routes.
He announced that more roads in the Kigezi sub-region would be upgraded, including the 149-kilometre Hamurwa–Kerere–Kanungu–Butogota–Hamayanza–Ifasha–Ikunza stretch.
About the Author
