A community of nuns from Busungu in Central Uganda are set to benefit from a donation of farm machinery worth €45,000 by group of Irish farmers and agricultural businesses to enable them transform the way they manage and cultivate their land.
The nuns are aiming to develop their 450-acre farm for the benefit of their local community.
The machinery, which includes a new four-wheel drive tractor, marks the first mechanisation on the farm in Busungu owned by the Little Sisters of St Francis.
Rita Christine Nakitende, the superior general of the Little Sisters of St. Francis, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the Irish donors.
“We are deeply moved by the donation of this tractor and the accompanying accessories,” told the Irish Examiner.
The nuns believe that the new equipment will enable them to boost productivity and better sustain their community.
It will also facilitate the development of an agricultural training center and assist in clearing land for the construction of a health center for the local population, as well as the completion of a convent building.
“This will help us fulfill our dream of building a health center, allowing nearby communities to access medical care,” said Nakitende.
“This equipment will not only lighten our workload but also enable us to grow more food and better support our community. It is a blessing beyond words.”
Modern farming equipment
On his part, Michael Maguire from Virginia, Co Cavan, who has been a regular visitor to Uganda through his work with agri-business Devenish stated that the initiative was led by a group of Irish farmers and agricultural businesses who recognized the need for modern farming equipment in the Busungu community.
“We are excited to support the Little Sisters of St. Francis, who have made a significant contribution to Uganda since their founder, Mother Kevin, arrived from Ireland in 1902,” he explained.
“This order of nuns has profoundly impacted health and education in Uganda for decades. We are pleased to assist the community in their efforts to develop the land in Busungu, where they are dedicated to serving and enhancing the lives of the local population.”
Empower and enhance
Mr. Maguire emphasized that agriculture is a “vital part” of any community, and expressed hope that the donation of machinery would “empower the nuns and enhance the quality of life for everyone they support.”
“We are proud to contribute to the sustainable development of agriculture in Busungu and look forward to the positive changes this mechanization will bring.
“This was a fantastic effort. A group of us recognized the needs of the nuns here, and when we called for support, everyone responded eagerly.”
The donation includes a tractor, providing the nuns with the power needed for heavy-duty tasks; a plough, assisting in land preparation for planting; and a trailer, facilitating the transport of goods and materials across the farm.
