Eugine  || Happening Now

I joined Hon. Prof. Ephraim Kamuntu and his family, colleagues, and the people of Sheema South for his thanksgiving ceremony at Bugongi Town Council Playground, where H.E. @KagutaMuseveni was the Chief Guest. President Museveni and Prof. Kamuntu have known each other since 1959, when they were students at Mbarara High School and later at Ntare School. The President was one class ahead of Prof. Kamuntu. They both recounted their long-standing friendship. Prof. Kamuntu served as the President's campaign manager when he contested for the position of President of the Debating Union, which he won. They were also members of the Scripture Union and played football together at Ntare School. The President used his speech to explain how a visit to a stock farm while he was still a student at Ntare School, where he observed better farming methods, inspired him to begin promoting transformed agriculture. This involved moving from growing food for the household to producing for income and saving for the family, first in Nyabushozi and later across the country, from 1995 to date. He explained, using examples, how families that start small can multiply their goats, cows, and piggery projects, among others, by sustaining their efforts. This is how they can increase their household incomes. Furthermore, he advised families to focus on irrigation, practise zero grazing for cattle and goats, and take full advantage of government programmes such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), which is already helping people get out of poverty. He challenged us, as leaders, to be at the forefront of sensitising people in the fight against poverty. For me, I celebrate Prof. Kamuntu for many reasons. One of them is that in 1986 he donated iron sheets to some of the schools I attended in my constituency.

I attended a dedication mass and fundraising at St. Kagwa Day and Boarding Primary School, Bushenyi, which was also the day for the dedication of P.7 candidates this morning. St. Kagwa is one of the oldest schools founded by the Catholic Church and among the best-performing schools in the greater Bushenyi. The school contributes significantly to the strong academic performance of Bushenyi–Ishaka Municipality, which has ranked as Uganda’s best-performing municipality in P.L.E. for seven consecutive years. Religious institutions have been key government partners in the education sector, and their contribution to the development of education in our country remains invaluable. I encouraged pupils to study hard, remain focused on their goals, and avoid distractions that could compromise their academic performance and future aspirations. I extend my sincere appreciation to the NRM Entrepreneurs League Chairperson, Hajji Hassan Basajjabalaba; @hajji_iddi; and Hon. Annet Mugisha, who invited us; my fellow Members of Parliament; and the parents who joined us for this important occasion. I wish all P.7 candidates success in their examinations and a bright future ahead.