Minister Alice Kaboyo Urges Ugandans in Diaspora to Invest Back Home

By CHIMPREPORTS

Minister of State for Luwero-Rwenzori, Hon Alice Kaboyo, urged Ugandans living and working abroad to invest their resources in their home country. Speaking on Tuesday during a visit to Kibisi Demonstration Farm in Kiboga, Minister Kaboyo emphasized that increased investment by diasporans in self-help projects could significantly contribute to the socio-economic development of the country.

The Minister made this appeal while touring the Agroforestry Recreational Center Uganda, an NGO initiated by Mrs. Harriet Lubega and Charity, Ugandans based in Sweden, in 2016. The project aims to empower 650 women in Kiboga, Jinja, and Masaka to engage in various income-generating activities, including poultry farming, coffee cultivation, goat keeping, beekeeping, rabbit rearing, and fruit production.

The founders have established the Kibisi women’s group, actively involved in commercial tree planting as part of their initiatives to uplift the economic prospects of the communities they serve. Minister Kaboyo’s call for diasporans to invest in such projects reflects a broader vision of leveraging external resources for local development, contributing to the overall progress of Uganda.

The Minister for Luwero-Rwenzori triangle, Hon. Alice Kaboyo and the founder of Kibisi Women’s Group, Mrs. Harriet Lubega pose for a photograph with the Kibisi Women’s Group members who were awarded with certificates.

Mrs. Lubega & her sister Charity also established Charity Children’s Nursery and Primary School which provides free education to 240 pupils from P.1 to P.7.

Some of the pupils who study from Charity Children’s Nursery and Primary School which was started by Mrs. Harriet and Ms. Charity. All the pupils study for free from Primary One to Primary Seven.

Mrs. Lubega shares a personal connection with Minister Kaboyo, as they lived together in exile during Uganda’s post-independence political turmoil alongside President Yoweri Museveni’s family. While Hon. Kaboyo returned to Uganda in the early 1990s, Mrs. Lubega and her family remained abroad.

During her visit to the Agroforestry Recreational Center Uganda, Minister Kaboyo commended her friend for initiating a beneficial project to support her community. She called on other Ugandans living abroad to follow Mrs. Lubega’s example, stating that if more Ugandans abroad contributed to such initiatives, significant progress could be made in the country’s development.

Hon. Kaboyo highlighted the importance of individuals like Mrs. Lubega, considering them as veterans in the fight against poverty. She contrasted Lubega’s initiative with some NGOs that may have ulterior motives, praising the Agroforestry Recreational Center Uganda for its positive impact.

The minister was particularly impressed by the group’s agroforestry initiative, aligning with President Yoweri Museveni’s vision of planting bamboo on the bare hills in Kiboga district for environmental conservation.

Mrs. Lubega expressed her motivation for starting the project, emphasizing her love and belief in her people. She acknowledged the government’s efforts in development but emphasized the importance of collective action for progress.

Highlighting success stories within the project, Mrs. Lubega mentioned individuals who, from their modest savings, achieved significant milestones. She stressed the idea of not always relying on handouts but rather making collective efforts to propel the country forward.

Ssalongo Kaita Godfrey, the Kibisi sub-county chairman, emphasized the crucial role played by women in society. He noted the women’s significant contributions, stating that they almost cover all expenses in households, and their impact is transforming societal dynamics.

The Minister for Luwero-Rwenzori Triangle together with the founder of Kibisi Women’s Group, Mrs. Harriet Lubega, government officials, administrators and Kibisi Women’s Group participants at Kibisi Demonstration Farm.

Rossette Nakalyango, a female councillor for Kyomya Sub County and Bukomero Town Council, expressed gratitude to Mrs. Lubega for her efforts in the project. However, Nakalyango highlighted the need for projects to consider both women and men, urging that the focus should not be solely on supporting girls but also addressing the needs of boys.

Nakalyango pointed out that many non-profit organizations concentrate on supporting girls by providing essentials like bags and books, while boys receive less attention. Minister Kaboyo echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of not neglecting the development of the boy child.

While acknowledging the positive attention given to girls, Minister Kaboyo urged women not to leave men behind. She stressed the need for balanced support and development for both genders.

Mariam Nalubega Seguya, the Kiboga Resident District Commissioner, advised the Kibisi Women’s Group to explore funding opportunities from other government development projects, such as the Parish Development Model. She mentioned that the district had received funds for 58 parishes and encouraged the group to apply for the next round of funding.

Minister Kaboyo also pledged to enroll the group for funds from the Micro-Projects program under her ministry, indicating the commitment to support the initiatives of the Kibisi Women’s Group.