Bukomansimbi Residents Raise Concerns Over Fake Agro-Inputs, Roads Ahead of SONA

Ahead of President Museveni's State of the Nation Address, residents of Bukomansimbi District have highlighted critical issues they want the government to prioritize. Key concerns include the growing problem of counterfeit agricultural inputs, the dilapidated state of road infrastructure, and the need to revive the National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS) seed distribution program.

Many residents, whose livelihoods depend on agriculture, stated that fake seeds, fertilizers, and agrochemicals are a major impediment to production, causing substantial losses. They noted that farmers continue to achieve poor yields, even after investing in their crops, because they unknowingly purchase counterfeit products from unscrupulous dealers.

Furthermore, residents expressed frustration over the poor condition of roads connecting farming communities to markets. They argue that these transport challenges hinder the movement of agricultural produce and increase overall production costs. Several farmers appealed for the rehabilitation of key feeder roads to improve market access and boost household incomes.

There is also a strong call for the revival and strengthening of the NAADS seed distribution program. Farmers recall that this program previously boosted agricultural productivity and improved livelihoods when it was fully operational. Bashir Kiberu, a resident, shared a positive experience, stating that orange seedlings received under NAADS significantly improved his family's welfare by yielding well and helping him pay school fees. Residents are now looking to the President's address for clear solutions to these pressing issues affecting farmers and rural communities.

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I received orange seedlings under the NAADS programme, and those oranges have really benefited me. They yielded well and enabled me to earn money that helped me pay school fees for my children.