Ngoma, Uganda - H.E President Yoweri Museveni, accompanied by cabinet members and permanent secretaries, visited Mzee George Matoongo’s farm in Ngoma district en route to the Ngoma State Lodge and government farm. The visit underscored the administration's commitment to promoting agricultural success and economic transformation at the household level.
Mzee George Matoongo shared his inspiring journey to prosperity, which began in 1980 with just 50 indigenous cows inherited from his father. Despite having no land of his own, Mzee Matoongo started as a squatter on others' properties. Over time, he managed to acquire a four-square-mile property, where he continued to rear his cattle.
Today, Mzee Matoongo's farm is home to thousands of cows, both exotic and indigenous breeds, producing approximately 900 liters of milk daily. His future plans include shifting from free grazing to subsistence farming, which could significantly increase his cattle capacity and potentially allow him to earn over Ugshs. 57 million per day.
President Museveni emphasized the visit's key message: the importance of wealth creation for socio-economic transformation. "Our message remains consistent regarding the importance of creating wealth for socio-economic transformation. Let's all speak the same language of generating income at the household level and bringing our people into the money economy," he stated.
The President's visit to Mzee Matoongo’s farm serves as a testament to the potential of hard work and perseverance in achieving economic success. It also aligns with the government's broader efforts to encourage Ugandans to engage in productive agricultural practices, thereby improving their livelihoods and contributing to the nation's economic growth.
As Uganda continues to pursue its development goals, stories like Mzee Matoongo’s offer valuable lessons and inspiration for farmers and entrepreneurs across the country. The government's support and initiatives aim to create an enabling environment for such success stories to flourish, ultimately driving the nation towards greater socio-economic prosperity.
