RUKIGA, UGANDA – April 13, 2025 — Rukiga County Member of Parliament, Hon. Roland Ndyomugyenyi Bish, has called on residents of Rukiga District to embrace Hass avocado farming as a powerful tool for boosting household incomes and fostering sustainable economic development.
Hon. Bish made the appeal yesterday 12th April, 2025, during the official launch of the Hass Avocado Farming Campaign held at Mugogo Playground in Muhanga Town Council.
The event attracted local leaders, religious figures, farmers, and community members eager to learn about the opportunities presented by the avocado value chain.
In his address, Hon. Bish emphasized the immense economic potential of Hass avocado farming, citing its increasing demand both locally and internationally.
He said the initiative is not only a gateway to higher income for farmers but also promotes environmental conservation through improved soil health and biodiversity protection.“This campaign is more than just an agricultural venture,” Hon. Bish said.
“It is a transformative step toward eradicating poverty, improving livelihoods, and achieving long-term economic growth in Rukiga.”He urged the community to fully support and adopt the initiative, describing it as a strategic development aimed at empowering rural households.
Adding his voice to the campaign, Rev. Victor Ndiharomwe, the parish priest of Emmanuel Kasheregyenyi Church of Uganda in Kamugangunzi Sub-county, reiterated the church’s support for the initiative.
He said the campaign aligns with the Diocese of Kigezi’s broader efforts to fight poverty under the leadership of Rt. Rev. Gaddie Akanjuna, the Bishop of Kigezi.“Our Bishop has always encouraged us to take practical steps in fighting poverty, and Hass avocado farming is one such strategy,” Rev. Ndiharomwe stated. “We must embrace this opportunity to better our lives and those of future generations.
”Beneficiaries of the campaign, including Mable Ssize from Kanaba Cell in Nyakabungo Ward and Mbahungyirehi James from Kayorero Cell in Highland Ward, welcomed the initiative with enthusiasm.
Ssize noted that the project would allow farmers to diversify their income sources and strengthen food security, while Mbahungyirehi praised the campaign as a pathway to economic resilience.
“This is a timely and strategic initiative that will empower farmers, create employment, and stimulate agribusiness in Rukiga,” said Mbahungyirehi.
The campaign is seen as a critical component of a broader vision to transform Rukiga into a model district for sustainable rural development, with hopes high that the cultivation of Hass avocados will become a cornerstone of the region’s agricultural future.
Hon. Bish has rolled out the first batch of Hass avocado seedlings to farmers in Rukiga County, with 600,000 seedlings currently on farms. He announced that a second batch of seedlings will be released in September, further supporting the growth of avocado farming in the region. This initiative aims to promote sustainable agriculture and economic development in Rukiga County.
By providing farmers with high-quality seedlings, Hon. Bish’s initiative is expected to increase avocado yields, improve livelihoods, and contribute to poverty reduction.
