Butaleja District Bids Farewell to Chinese Agricultural Experts After Transformative Training Program.

By Ambrose Wanagoli.

Leaders in the Production Department of Butaleja District have officially bid farewell to a team of Chinese agricultural experts whose tenure of training local farmers has come to an end.

The farewell ceremony was held in Nabala Village, Nawanjofu Sub-county, at the home of District Agricultural Engineer, Charles Swama. The event marked the conclusion of a partnership under the Uganda–China South-to-South Cooperation Project, which has been in operation since 2023.

Speaking as the host, Swama praised the Chinese experts for their impactful work in equipping farmers with modern and productive farming skills. He noted that the experts promoted enterprises such as rice growing, goat rearing, foxtail millet farming, and red pepper cultivation. According to Swama, the initiative not only boosted productivity but also promised access to ready markets for farmers.

He added that the training significantly improved his own farming outcomes, particularly in rice production and foxtail millet yields, which have positively transformed his livelihood.

Butaleja District Production Officer Amina Dugo expressed appreciation for the strong cooperation established during the experts’ stay. She highlighted opportunities created for local farmers, including agricultural exchange visits to China. However, she urged the experts to support efforts in repairing and maintaining agricultural machinery in the district to sustain progress.

District Veterinary Officer Jackson Twebaze Ndahayo commended the Chinese team for introducing modern farming technologies during agricultural exhibitions held at Butaleja Booma Grounds. He emphasized the need for increased focus on livestock farming in future collaborations.

In response, Mr. Liu, the coordinator of the Chinese agricultural experts, attributed the successful partnership to strengthened ties between Uganda and China, citing President Yoweri Museveni’s engagements with the Asian nation. He reaffirmed their commitment to continue supporting agricultural development in Butaleja, even after returning to China.

The departure of the experts marks the end of a significant chapter in agricultural development for Butaleja, with local leaders hopeful that the knowledge and skills imparted will sustain long-term growth in the sector.