The Chairperson of Kapchorwa Commercial Farmers Association Mr Wilson Chemusto last week challenged Acholi leaders including RDCS, LCVs and other district leaders to stop waiting on government to do everything for them, but wake up and start changing the mindset of the farmers in Acholi sub region from subsistence farming to commercial farming for development to come to the region.

Mr Chemusto was presentation a paper at the Peace Building Fund Promotion Strategy for Acholi sub region organized by Enterprise Uganda at Kakanyero Hotel in Gulu municipality, Laroo Division.

“What else do you need the government to do for you, it has already fought for peace in the region for now it is your duty to see that trade is developed in the region,” he submitted.

He told the leaders who attended the function that his Association sponsors over 70 university students and does not know how many students are being sponsored by local government in a given district like Gulu or Amuru.

He added that in Kapchorwa, they organized and were able to give 5000 metric tones of maize to world food programme due to the hard work of the leaders in sensitising farmers on commercial farming and feels disappointed that fertile land is laying dormant in Acholi region.

However the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) for Nwoya Mr Semei Okwir said that following years of war, many farmers in Acholi faced with numerous land wrangles that is stifling any commercial activity. 

He added that there are so many fruits in Acholi region like Magoes among others that would easily sustain a juice making industry; therefore people need to be encouraged to plant more of such trees.

He also emphasized that unlike Kapchorwa, districts in Acholi such as Nwoya which hosts a National Park needs the support of government in keeping wild animals away from peoples farms, otherwise for the farmers it would be a waste of effort if crops are destroyed by Elephants year in, year out.