Tororo County North MP Nicholas Simon Owino, popularly known as Jafufa, has urged students completing their national examinations to embrace vegetable farming as a way of improving household nutrition, reducing food costs and creating income opportunities.
Owino made the appeal while wishing candidates success in their examinations and encouraging them to use the period after their papers to develop practical skills. He also distributed mathematical sets, pens and rulers to support their preparations.
“The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you. But nobody inherits your academic qualifications either. You must work hard to earn them yourself. Use your education to empower yourself and challenge the status quo while you still have the opportunity,” Owino said.
The MP, whose nickname Jafufa is associated with vegetable farming, encouraged students and their families to start growing vegetables in their backyards, even where they have limited space. He said households could use the produce for food and sell any surplus to earn additional income.
Uganda’s vegetable sector offers significant potential for supporting livelihoods and nutrition. According to Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) data, the country harvested approximately 244,443 hectares of vegetables in 2024, producing about 1.39 million tonnes.
Vegetables such as spinach, amaranth (dodo), cabbage and carrots can contribute essential vitamins, minerals and fibre to family diets. Growing a variety of vegetables can help households improve dietary diversity while reducing reliance on market purchases.
Tororo District has approximately 38,970 farming households, according to the National Integrated Food and Agriculture Management Information System.
Owino also encouraged young people to explore poultry keeping, livestock rearing and vocational skills such as plumbing, electrical installation and phone repair.
He said students did not have to wait for formal employment to begin building their future, urging them to start small enterprises that could support their families and help fight poverty in their communities.
