VEDCO NewsletterA QUARTERLY NEWS BULLETIN APRIL - JUNE 2014 ISSUE 1 EDCO NewsletterA P R I L - J U N E 2 0 1 4 FACEBOOK: Volunteer Efforts for Development Concerns

Hon.Andrew Allen commissioning the School facilities. Editorial Hon. Andrew Allen commissions Dear reader, Welcome to this edition of school facilities, hails VEDCO/ISU our quarterly Newsletter highlighting VEDCO’s activitities for the period Partnership on Girl Child Education April-June 2014. Agriculture is the Bugabula North Member of Par- facilities for Primary backbone of ’s economy. It liament (MP) Hon. Andrew Allen school in district. They were directly & indirectly employs 80% praised the partnership between all constructed with funding from percent of Uganda’s population. On Volunteer Efforts for Development ISU in Partnership with VEDCO, the June 12,during the 2014/2015 National Concerns (VEDCO) & IOWA State Rt.Hon Alitwala, budget reading, the Minister of Finance University in Ames, Iowa, USA (ISU) (MP), the district, parents, teachers Maria Kiwanuka revealed that there for its contribution towards girl & the community of Namasagali would be removal of tax exemptions on child education. sub-county.”Thanks for supporting agro-inputs, poultry and livestock feeds girl child education and being in and terminated exemption on interest Hon. Allen made the remarks in line with Government’s programme income on agricultural loans. These his address on 22/June/2014 dur- and mandate of educating the girl taxes will with no doubt be a burden to ing the commissioning of a girls’ child” he said. farmers because they will increase cost dormitory, school kitchen & toilet Cont. to page 2 of production on the farm. There will be rise in prices of farm inputs making INSIDE THIS ISSUE: VEDCO in Pictures agriculture expensive for the ordinary 6. VEDCO Farmer Field Day... Budget Speech highlights... farmer and even push some out of the 2. 8. VEDCO scoops Certificate... Mukono District Nutrition... sector most especially the small holder 3. 9. farmers. Nice reading. 4. Q & A with Mr. Bbemba 10. Regulate Private Sector... 5. National Stakeholder Colloquium 11. VEDCO Gender Action BATEEGA MARK - [email protected]

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Andrew Allen commissions... Cont. from page 1 The area MP also revealed that the VEDCO/ISU school Lunch pro- gramme at the school which pro- vides a mid-day meal to students improved their diet. He further more encouraged the students to VEDCO Farmer Field Day actively get involved in agricultural Excites Mukono residents related activities. Farmer field day celebrations were held on 13/June/2014 at Mukono District VEDCO Executive Director Mr. Kyampisi Sub County. The event organized by VEDCO in partnership with Bbemba Joseph acknowledged HarvestPlus attracted hundreds of participants & farmers mainly from the importance of partnerships Mukono who showcased and sold a number of their products but mainly against which the facilities were orange sweet potato varieties & high iron beans harvested from their farms. constructed. He told the gathering that in ISU, there have a long life Chief guest Dr.Mukulu Fred District Production & Marketing Officer of development partner who they Mukono commended VEDCO and HarvestPlus for the tremendous work in need to continue working with. the area of Nutrition security & pledged his continued support. During the He thanked VEDCO Kamuli team event, VEDCO supported farmer groups entertained guests with educative for tirelessly working hand in hand drama & songs which promoted the production & consumption of orange with the community to see that the sweet potato varieties & high iron beans. dormitory was constructed in time. VEDCO in partnership with HarvestPlus are implementing a 5 year project He cautioned the school & students (2012-2016) on developing and delivering bio-fortified crops in Uganda not to mis-use the facilities. (DDBC).In a bid to improve food and nutrition security among small holder The VEDCO/ISU partnership which farmers, the project promotes the production & consumption of orange started in 2004 is implementing sweet potato and high iron beans rich in vitamin A & Iron respectively project activities in 3 sub counties to combat Vitamin A deficiencies in children under 5 years, pregnant & of namely; Bugu- lactating mothers. lumbya, Butansi and Namasagali. “The event was organized with the objective of demonstrating technologies The activities center on small land- on orange sweet potato and high iron beans, to enable farmers in community holder farmers to achieve food learn more about them and adopt the demonstrated technologies and security, improve household nutri- to also enable farmers share experiences about them, “said Eddie Sansa, tion, and stabilize income through Project Extension Officer VEDCO Mukono Field Office. sustainable crop production and access to marketing opportunities. Cont. to page 3

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Hon. Andrew Allen commissions... Cont. from page 2 dance with her eloquence as she the school. It was attended by Par- The programme also provides sup- commended VEDCO for the girls’ ents, District leaders, port for malnourished children, dormitory. Other students later on Interns from , women of reproductive age, & entertained guests with a poem & Kyambogo University and members families living with HIV/AIDS. traditional Kisoga dance. of the community. The dormitory “Investment in education is very which was fully fitted with beds, The ceremony started with a brass important for every country. Gov- blankets & treated mosquito nets band march from Kamuli Town to ernment’s endorsement of girl child will accommodate 48 girls. education is key. We should not forget the boys as well,” said Prof. VEDCO Scoops David Acker, Dean of Iowa State University. Certificate of Recognition

Kirunze George Ibembe, Headmas- ter of Namasagali Primary School hailed VEDCO for spearheading the whole process.He mentioned lack of electricity, school land title, school fence, boy’s dormitory and inadequate furniture & staff quar- ters as some of the challenges the school is facing.

Kamuli District Education Officer, Joseph Musoke cautioned parents who neglect the duty of educating their children because they think Nabbaale Sub county council in Mukono district passed a education is a luxury. “You need resolution to award a certifate of appreciation to VEDCO for to clothe your children, treat them successfully promoting food & nutrition security in Nabbaale when they are sick and educate community under the VEDCO/HarvestPlus 5 year project (2012- them,” he advised. 2016) on developing and delivering bio-fortified crops in Uganda (DDBC).Crespo Mubalya Project Extension officer DDBC project Namuswa Rhoda a Primary 7 Pu- received the award on behalf of VEDCO. pil who spoke on behalf of the students amazed guests in atten-

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Q & A with Bbemba Joseph Paschal Executive Director - VEDCO

Well I don’t want to see VEDCO within a timeframe of 5 years but rather twenty years plus. I will not be there in 20 years but will surely set the ground. I want to see VEDCO as the leading force in sustainable Agriculture promotion across the East African region and beyond. But for the next 5 years as an NGO that is accountable and one that offers options to farmers to gain- fully enjoy farming for food and nutrition security as well as income generation.

Q: what contribution has VEDCO made to Uganda’s agriculture sec- tor?

We have over the years organized platforms and open forums for farmers to participate in policy He was appointed Executive Direc- Q: It’s been 1 year since your ap- processes on issues affecting ag- tor on July 2013 replacing Mr. Henry pointment, what has been your ricultural production & marketing Kizito Musoke. Prior to his appoint- experience at the organization’s top job? at all levels. We have also engaged ment, he worked as a Markets and policy makers on issues like seed Products Development Specialist Is it a year yet, how time flies! security, Agricultural trade, Food & with HarvestPlus, an international The experience is more of being Nutrition security, Land and agricul- research organisation. At VEDCO, the ED and the responsibilities it comes with since I have had a long tural sector Budget Allocation. Our Mr Bbemba is not a stranger to engagement with VEDCO. However, Institutional agricultural extension many. He worked with VEDCO from I must say that initiating change in system reaches out to thousands of 2001-2010 in a number of capaci- an institution that has existed for farmers organized in farmer groups, ties but mainly as the Operations more than 25 years takes a lot of training them in many relevant Manager. Despite his busy sched- dedication and patience fields but mainly agricultural entre- ule, VEDCO newsletter caught up Q: where do you see VEDCO five preneurship development with him for a Q & A session. years from now? Cont. to page 5

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Q & A with ND Mr. Bbemba The 2 National Cont. from page 4 Stakeholder Colloquium on Q:Most People who have worked with you describe you as a man Agricultural Extension and of excellent Leadership abilities, what inspires you? Advisory Services

To me, development work is a call- ing. Besides when you know you have people around who depend on your leadership and survival, you have to act. I am driven by teamwork, Honesty, accountability and the ability to work with every- body. Once I have the people with the same attributes on my team, they make me an excellent leader. To be an excellent leader & success- fully deliver, people have to believe you and be willing to walk with you.

Q: How can farmers benefit from VEDCO?

By being partners with us & not

looking to VEDCO as a source of Hon.Tress Bucyanayandi (MP), Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries money but rather working with us (MAAIF) making a presentation. to uplift their status. It was held on 3/April/2014 at Sheraton hotel. Speaking at the Colloquium, Chief Guest Hon. Tress Bucyanayandi (MP), Minister Q : How do you manage to balance of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) was hopeful that work & family? despite the challenges the agriculture sector is facing, it is still on the right track. “The problems we are facing cannot be solved in a day; we Every second I have with my family should solve these issues step by step.” he said matters. Some people think it’s only about the many hours you spend “The government has been in power since 1986, agriculture sector with them. I sometimes get them has been facing the same challenges over and over again, so my ques- to support me in my work and in tion is that what have you been doing all these years?” Said Godber that way I get to bond with them Tumushabe, one of the presenters at the meeting. Cont. to page 8 much more.

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VEDCO IN PICTURES:

Mr Godber Tumushabe making a presentation during the VEDCO staff Kaaya Christine giving her opinion during 2nd National stakeholder colloquium on agricultural extension the 3rd Colloquium on Agricultural extension reforms in held on 3/April/2014. Uganda organised by VEDCO/FRA.

The newly constructed pit latrine for Namasagali Primary school. Namuswa Rhoda of Primary 7 speaking on behalf of the students during the commissioning of school facilities in Namasagali primary school on 22/ June/2014.

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VEDCO IN PICTURES:

From Right-Left: Ag VEDCO Programs Director Henry Members of Mukono District Nutrition Committee during its Nsereko, VEDCO Executive Director Bbemba Joseph and launch on 23/June/2014. Hon. Andrew Allen marching with the students towards the school.

The inside view of Namasagali Primary school girl’s The newly constructed girl’s dormitory for Namasa- dormitory already fitted with beds, matreseses and gali Primary school in Kamuli district.It accommo- mosquito nets. dates 48 girls.

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The 2ND National Stakeholder Colloquium on Agricultural Extension and Advisory Services Cont. from page 5 Mr. Patience Rwamugisha, a member ing the proposal of taking NAADS aimed at improving agricultural on the inter-ministerial Technical back to MAAIF as it will not solve the extension service delivery in the Committee informed participants current agricultural extension chal- country. The 2nd National Stakeholder that the committee recommended lenges. To make her point clear, she Colloquium on Agricultural Extension that National Agricultural Advisory gave an example of a doctor who for and Advisory Services is a platform Services (NAADS) be made a Direc- 7 years prescribed the wrong medine organized by VEDCO & Food Rights torate in the Ministry of Agriculture. Alliance (FRA) in collaboration with to a patient. We are the doctors; the MAAIF focusing on the realities of However, Dr Margaret Najjingo current agricultural extension system implementing the proposed reforms. is the patient. Let us prescribe the Mangheni a lecturer at Makerere Representatives from civil societies, right medicine” she explained. University Department of Extension International development agencies and Innovation Studies cautioned The government of Uganda through and Government were also in at- stakeholders not to rush at embrac- MAAIF is planning reforms that are tendance.

Budget Speech highlights FY 2014/15 on Agricultural Sector

Terminated exemption on interest income on agricultural loans Terminated exemptions on the following supply with effect from 1st July 2014:

• Supply of Feeds for Poultry and Livestock • Supply of Agriculture and Diary Machinery • Supply of Specialized Vehicles, Plant and Machinery services and civil works related to agriculture

Termination of the exemptions VAT zero-rated supplies with effect from 1st July 2014: • Supply of Machinery and Tools for Agriculture • Supply of Seeds, Fertilizers, Pesticides and Hoes

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Members of the Mukono District Nutrition Coordination Committee (DNCC) pose for a photo after the its launch Mukono District Nutrition ers to improve livelihoods in the Coordination Committee district. The DNCC roles & responsibilities is launched, VEDCO selected to ensure that nutrition issues are integrated into the district develop- to represent civil society ment plans & are mainstreamed in Organisations. planning & budgeting by the district departments, ensure that annual Mukono district Nutrition Coor- Officer (CAO) Mr. Luke L.L Lokudo district nutrition partnership fo- dination Committee (DNCC) was on the issue of the district nutrition rums are held, implementation of launched 23/June/2014 at Mukono committee. I am grateful it has fi- nutrition policies, ensure that nutri- District Local Government offices. nally been launched & as VEDCO we tion issues attract political advocacy VEDCO was selected to represent are willing to work with you,” said and establish a practical monitoring civil society organizations. Crespo Mubalya, Project Extension Officer VEDCO Mukono Field office. and evaluation framework for nutri- According to Dr.Elly Tumushabe the tion in the activities of the district. District Health Officer & focal per- Grace Babirye, Programme Man- The committee comprises of Mu- son on the committee, the DNCC ager VEDCO & Coordinator of the kono District CAO Mr.Luke L.L formation is in line with the Uganda Developing and Delivering Bio Lokudo who is also the committee Nutrition Action Plan 2010-2015 fortified Crops in Uganda, a project chairman, District Health officer Dr. whose goal is to scale up multi- VEDCO is implementing in Mukono Mukulu Fred, District Production & sectoral efforts to establish a strong in Partnership with HarvestPlus, Marketing officer, District Commu- nutrition foundation for Uganda’s highlighted Food and Nutrition nity Development Officer, District development. security as one of VEDCO’s main thematic areas. She reaffirmed Education Officer, District planner “I have on several occasions been VEDCOs commitment to work with and representatives from VEDCO & meeting the Chief Administrative Mukono Local Government lead- Uganda Christian University

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Regulate private sector firms on agricultural extension - VEDCO Executive Director furthermore stated that Government should be at the forefront.

Hon. Dr. Kasirivu Atwooki, former Chairman Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture told private sector players to handle farmers well because customer care is key. “How you approach farmers will determine whether they will have confidence in you and what you are saying or not,’’ he advised

In the 1980s, the Government of right-left; VEDCO Executive Director Mr. Bbemba Joseph, National Planning Authority Uganda liberalized agricultural Board Vice Chairman Dr Abel Rwendeire and Uganda Debt Network Director of Pro- grams Mr. Julius Kapwepwe Mishambi. extension service delivery. This paved VEDCO Executive Director Mr. private extension firms had gained way for the start up of various private Bbemba Joseph Paschal has called confidence amongst farmers because firms dealing in areas like agro-inputs upon the Government of Uganda to they provided timely agricultural and market access information which come up with regulatory frameworks extension information services.”The provided channels for agricultural to guide private sector active in the demand for information is high but technology and information service field of delivering extension services the supply is limited. That is why we delivery to farmers. to farmers. He made the remarks need the private sector to come in,” The Government through MAAIF while officiating the opening of he said is planning reforms that are aimed the 3rd Colloquium on agricultural at improving agricultural extension extension reforms in Uganda with the Dr. Alfred George Ococh, the service delivery in the country. The 3rd theme ,”The Role of Private Sector Commissioner, Animal Production National Stakeholder Colloquium on in Delivery of Effective Extension in Minister of Agriculture, Animal Agricultural Extension and Advisory Services in Uganda,” It took place on Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) 22/May/2014 at Sheraton Kampala recognized the role private sector Services is a platform organized by Hotel. plays in agricultural extension service VEDCO & FRA in collaboration with because they supplement and MAAIF focusing on the realities of Mr. Bbemba observed that some compliment Government efforts. He implementing the proposed reforms.

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VEDCO Gender Action Learning System (GALS)

IN PICTURE: Eastern region GALS champion staff, Jane Nakiranda facilitating a training

One of the methodologies VEDCO During the quarter, VEDCO contin- males & 19 were female. uses to implement its livelihood pro- ued to use GALS in all its livelihood grams is the Gender Action Learning programs. From 19th-21st May 2014, a follow system (GALS). Since its adoption in up exercise on household visions 2012, the methodology involves use In Amuria District, a value chain ac- was conducted in Kamuli district. of pictorials or visuals to express tors’ meeting took place 17-18th In its sub counties, 22 females & 22 plans & processes of improving June 2014.The meeting was facilitat- males participated in the exercise in farmers’ value chains performanc- ed using the multi stakeholder win- Bugulumbya, 24 females & 19 males es. The pictorials are in form of road win tree tool under GALS. Of the 51 in Namasagali and 21 females & 21 journeys, maps, diamonds & trees. participants that attended, 32 were males in Butansi.

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VISION:

Improved quality of life of small / medium holder farmers.

MISSION: To empower small / Medium holder farmers for food and nutrition security, agricultural trade and institu- tional development.

CORE VALUES: Result Oriented Excellence Equal Opportunities Transparency Teamwork & Accountability

COORDINATION OFFICE: VEDCO ONLINE INFORMATION PLATFORMS Plot 129 Block 2 Bukesa Nakulabye FACEBOOK: P.O. Box 1244 Kampala Uganda Volunteer Efforts for Development Concerns Tel: 256-414-270 598, Fax: 256-414-348 441, WEBSITE: E-Mail: [email protected] www.vedcouganda.org HEAD OFFICE: Kikoma Wobulenzi YOUTUBE: Telephone: 256-414-620 172, vedcoug

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