Published on 24/04/2025
Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF)’s Brigadier General Godfrey Muwanguzi, Deputy Chief Coordinator of Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), has embarked on a four-day working visit to Buvuma Island to monitor the progress of the National Oil Palm Project (NOPP) and assess the impact of the Parish Development Model (PDM) on local communities.
As part of his itinerary, Brig Gen Muwanguzi toured oil palm plantations and engaged in discussions with investors and community leaders aimed at strengthening cooperation and enhancing project outcomes.
In a key meeting with district officials, Brig Gen Muwanguzi called for lessons to be drawn from Kalangala’s successful model, encouraging Buvuma leaders to adopt proactive strategies to overcome existing hurdles and drive development. “We must remain united in our pursuit of government goals for social and economic transformation,” he stated.
He further stressed the critical role of the Four Cs—Command, Control, Timely Communication and Effective Coordination—in ensuring the success of both the oil palm and PDM initiatives.
Resident District Commissioner Jacqueline Birungi hailed the visit as a motivational boost for local leadership, reaffirming their commitment to Uganda’s transformation agenda.
Chief Administrative Officer Mboogo Issa commended the government for the progress brought by the oil palm project. “Our communities are transitioning from subsistence to sustainable economic activities, with oil palm cultivation leading the way,” he said.
Mr Mboogo cited notable improvements in education, roads, safe water, housing, nutrition, and clothing, attributing much of this to the growth of the sector. However, he also acknowledged ongoing challenges, including delayed landowner compensation, slow fund disbursement to smallholder farmers, late payments to tenant cultivators, and persistent transport difficulties.
District Chairperson Adrian Ddungu Wasswa applauded President Yoweri Museveni for spearheading financial inclusion efforts that have enhanced the effectiveness of government initiatives. He also praised OWC’s collaborative style and lauded the dedication of the local coordinator.
Since its inception in 2019, the oil palm project has achieved the planting of 2,600 hectares out of a targeted 8,584. The first harvest, recorded in October 2024, marked a significant milestone, offering encouraging signs despite lingering obstacles.
