Hon. Muheesi Praises Development Efforts in Kazo, Emphasizes Shift to Money Economy

Kazo District is experiencing a transformative period as efforts to uplift its people from a subsistence economy to a money economy gain momentum.
In her latest statement, Hon. Jennifer Muheesi highlighted key initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods, with a special focus on coffee farming and clean water access.
A major highlight has been the partnership with the Chinese company, Grace 100 Well Drilling Foundation, which has made significant contributions toward providing clean water to Kazo. This has been a vital need for the district, known for its dry conditions.
She emphasized the importance of clean water, especially in schools like St. Catherine Secondary School, which had struggled with access to clean water. “God is faithful, and now the girls at St. Catherine will no longer fetch dirty water,” she said, expressing gratitude for the intervention.
Agriculture, specifically coffee farming, has been another area of focus. Hon. Muheesi revealed that while many residents are already engaged in cattle rearing, the district is making strides in promoting coffee as a key crop for economic growth.
“We are moving from subsistence farming to a money economy. Those in cattle are also doing coffee, and those in crop farming have embraced it as well,” she explained.
One of the standout areas in this initiative has been Mbogo Parish, where a coffee huller has been constructed to support local farmers. Hon. Muheesi praised the parish for excelling in coffee production.
“Mbogo Parish has done exceptionally well in coffee growing, and the new factory will further boost their efforts,” she said, thanking God for His guidance in these development projects.
However, challenges remain, particularly with land issues in the area. Mbogo Parish has suffered from land-grabbing for years, but Hon. Muheesi is determined to address the issue.
“When I started working to resolve this long-standing problem, some accused me of being a land grabber,” she lamented. But she remains confident that under the leadership of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, justice will prevail.
Hon. Muheesi also touched on efforts to combat animal theft, which has plagued Kazo District. She reassured the community that her office, in collaboration with security agencies, is working tirelessly to curb the problem.
“We are organizing another operation to deal with this issue. Enough is enough. We know you, and we are coming for you,” she warned, sending a clear message to those involved in the thefts.
Reflecting on past development initiatives, she spoke about the distribution of hoes to farmers in the district, which initially sparked some controversy. Critics mocked the move, but the community ultimately welcomed the initiative, and it proved to be a success.
“When we distributed hoes, some people said we were confusing society, but I can assure you it worked wonders,” Hon. Muheesi said.
She concluded by praising the people of Kazo for their resilience and commitment to education, using the example of her sister, a former minister.
“She learned that coffee is crucial for our people, and it is my prayer that she continues to educate herself on its importance,” she noted, humorously recalling how her sister once believed coffee was planted using tractors, not hoes.
Hon. Muheesi emphasized the importance of embracing research and technology, noting that the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) confirmed in 2020 that the coffee grown in Kazo is elite, with a taproot system that enhances its growth potential.
Hon. Muheesi further reminded residents of the role they must play in the fight against poverty.
“The government has done its part, but it’s upon us to do our best at the household level,” she said, urging the community to remain focused on economic growth and self-reliance.