KISORO, UGANDA – The Mpanga Basin Community Development Initiative has launched a major project to cultivate African bird’s eye chili, commonly known as pili pili, in Kisoro District.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The ambitious initiative, backed by a startup fund of over 100 million shillings, aims to lift local residents out of poverty and was officially launched at the Kumudege Business Centre, a facility owned by Bufumbira North MP Kamara John Nizeyimana.
The project was revealed by Rtd. Maj. Julius Rubahimbya, who explained that the decision followed President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s directive for communities to focus on commercial farming.
Kisoro was specifically selected for this pilot project due to the crop’s recognized potential to rapidly improve the financial standing of households.
Rubahimbya noted that while family earnings in the district remain low, participants in the chili farming program have a clear pathway to financial security in a relatively short time.
Cue in: Rubahimbya on the project. RR
Adding to the operational plans, Busanza Sub-county Community Development Officer Mugisha Christopher committed to fast-tracking the formal organization of farmers.
He promised to ensure all members who have joined local associations are officially registered within the coming week and pledged to spearhead awareness campaigns to encourage widespread participation in the project.
Cue in: Christopher on Members. RR
Kisoro District Labour Officer Kakuru Gideon addressed the community, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding children’s welfare, prioritizing education, and encouraging married couples to work together cooperatively for success.
He strongly cautioned parents against pulling their children out of school to help with chili farming as a means to support the family income.
Cue in: Gideon on Education. RR
The benefits of the project were underscored by the testimony of Agatha Abera, a woman from Bufumbira North who has been successfully growing the chili even before the official launch.
She shared her personal success story, revealing that the profits from her chili harvest have been so substantial that she can now afford to pay laborers for work on her other enterprises, including her banana plantations and fish ponds.
Cue in: Abera on Chilli growing. RR
Bufumbira North MP Hon. Kamara John Nizeyimana provided the political backdrop for the initiative, explaining that his long search for a viable economic activity for his constituents led him to identify chili growing as a key opportunity for transformation.
He emphasized his commitment to an inclusive rollout, ensuring everyone in his constituency benefits, with plans to eventually expand the project to other constituencies and counties across the entire district.
Cue in: Nizeyimana on Chilli growing.RR
The comprehensive effort represents a coordinated push by local development initiatives, government officials, and the community to foster economic growth and poverty alleviation through agriculture.
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