President Yoweri Museveni has highly commended agricultural students returning from Israel for their exemplary performance as well as changing their attitude in favour of embracing modern commercial farming. He urged the next group of students who are scheduled to travel to Israel to emulate their colleagues who are back home.
“You must have undergone attitude change. The problem of Africans is always attitude. The trip to Israel has reminded you of what you are supposed to do not what you are not supposed to do. If this one has helped you to change your attitude, then I am very happy. People don’t know that you can make a lot of money from agriculture”, he remarked.
The President was flagging off 200 students drawn from higher learning institutions of Makerere University, Kyambogo University, Bishop Stuart University, Busoga University and Bukalasa Agricultural College, who are to attend a one year course in agro-studies and agricultural development apprenticeship in Israel. The course was established in 2011 following the initiative of Professor Omaswa Task Force that was formed by Makerere University Council.
President Museveni made the remarks following a report by the coordinator of the program in East and Central Africa, Mr. Agaba Isa, that all the 31 students who attended the same course last year performed very well. He said the best student out of 1,100 students from 10 African countries was Hussein Asega from Uganda. This shining performance earned Uganda 200 slots this year 2014. 8 of the slots have been taken by girls.
President Museveni also pledged to boost their savings while in Israel to enable them open up their own commercial farms on return home.
“The Minister of Education made a very good proposal. She said that when you go there, you also work on farms and are paid. Now, for every US$1 you save, government will add you US$2 to enable you start your own agro business,” he said.
Mr. Museveni, who wished the 200 students a good trip to Israel and a safe journey back home, assured them that government will be ready to work with those who have changed their attitude. He strongly advised them not to go underground when time comes to return home.
Commenting on the report presented by Professor Kiregeya on behalf of Professor Omaswa as regards the recommendations made by Professor Omaswa Task Force, the President welcomed the idea of upgrading the Presidential Fund of Science and Innovation to national level.
On the brain drain of University dons, he pledged for a start to upscale the remuneration of Professors and the teaching staff in the next financial year.
The Minister of Education and Sports, Major Jessica Alupo, thanked President Museveni for the very good bilateral relationship between Uganda and Israel that has led to the increase of the number of students admitted to study in that country this year 2014. She also thanked Kyambogo University administration, staff and students for the calmness now prevailing at the University.
The Chairman of Kyambogo University Council, Professor John Okedi, commended President Museveni for supporting the University as well as for gracing the occasion.
One of the students’ representatives, Ms. Mary Acham, who is pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Veterinary Medicine at Makerere University, on behalf of the students, pledged before President Museveni to keep, preserve and promote the good name of Uganda in Israel and always to remain disciplined.