The Uganda National Farmers’ Federation (UNFFE) is protesting the intended relocation of the Agricultural Education Show from Jinja City to Luweero district by the Ministry of Education and Sports.
The misunderstanding between the leadership of the UNFFE and the education ministry comes during the third national agricultural education show preparations at Bukalasa Agricultural grounds, in Wobulenzi, Luweero district.
The UNFFE leaders are protesting the move to have the show shifted to Luweero and as a result, they are organising their usual show at Jinja Agricultural show grounds at the Source of the Nile.
The collision between the two parties is silently boiling out as they are fighting for who must take the sole responsibility of organising the education agriculture show for the learners. UNFFE, an umbrella body that brings together farmers across the country, is the renowned organisation that has been responsible for the organisation of the national agricultural show since 1970s.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), the Education ministry is organising the show which is slated to take place at Bukalasa Agricultural College and shall kick off on June 24-29, 2024. In a similar way, UNFFE is organising it usual education show on the same dates.
According to UNFFE, the show will be presided over by the Minister for Education and Sports who is also the First Lady, Janet Kataha Museveni. However, according to MAAIF, it is President Yoweri Museveni and Mama Janet Museveni who will officially open the event. This is proved by the different letters addressed to various stakeholders, calling them for participation.
“The 3rd National Agricultural Education Show is scheduled for 24th to 29th June at the Source of the Nile National Agricultural Show Grounds, Jinja under the them, “Young Innovations Transforming for National Prosperity,” reads part of UNFFE letter dated May 21, 2024 and signed by Mr Kenneth Katungisa for Chief Executive Officer.
“The Ministry of Education and Sports is organising the 30th National Agricultural Education Exhibition 2024 scheduled for 24th to 29th June, 2024 and has requested the MAAIF agencies and partners for participation,” reads part of MAAIF letter signed by Maj Gen David Kasura-Kyomukama, the permanent secretary.
The letter states that, “This year’s theme, “Seeds of Change: Empowering the Young for climate resilience, food and income security and Agri-entrepreneurship” reflects our commitment to showcasing and promoting innovative practices in Agricultural sector.”
The show notably provides opportunities for networking, learning, and collaboration among stakeholders.
Nelson Tukundane, the public relations officer of UNFFE, however, told Busoga Today that they don’t have any knowledge about conducting the education show from Bukalasa, Luweero. Tukundane said that their show will be organized in Jinja.
“Our show is named the National Agriculture Education Show. Not a Fair or Exhibition,” he clarified.
It is worth noting that last week, a section of farmers in Jinja show ground carried out peaceful demonstrations against the moves of transferring the education show to Luweero. This remains a developing story, awaiting more resolutions about the organisation of the show.
*Source – Busoga Today*
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