Kayunga District Local Government Chairperson Andrew Muwonge has warned residents against what he describes as the irresponsible sale of land, saying the growing practice, coupled with the expansion of sugarcane cultivation, could expose families to homelessness, poverty and food insecurity.
Muwonge urged residents to reconsider their agricultural choices and embrace coffee growing as a potential source of sustainable household income while preserving land for future generations.
He made the remarks during celebrations marking the Buganda Kingdom Women and Children's Day held at Ntenjeru in Kayunga District, where he called on communities to protect their land and adopt agricultural practices that support long-term economic prosperity.
Muwonge expressed concern that some residents were increasingly selling their land as sugarcane cultivation gained ground in the district. He warned that the trend could leave families without productive assets to sustain their livelihoods.
He argued that land remains one of the most valuable resources for rural households and should not be sacrificed for short-term financial gains at the expense of future generations.
“Residents need to stop selling their land irresponsibly and think about the future of their families. Once you sell your land, you may have nowhere to settle or cultivate food for your household,” Muwonge said.
He cautioned that excessive dependence on sugarcane cultivation, particularly when accompanied by the sale of family land, could undermine household food production and increase vulnerability to poverty.
According to Muwonge, families that dispose of their land risk losing the means to grow food, earn a livelihood and provide for their children, potentially worsening food insecurity and economic hardship across the district.
Muwonge encouraged farmers to invest in coffee growing, which he described as a valuable source of income that could help households improve their livelihoods while retaining ownership of their land.
“Coffee is real wealth. Instead of selling your land and planting sugarcane without considering the long-term consequences, I encourage our people to embrace coffee growing, which can help them earn money while keeping their land,” he said.
The district chairperson maintained that agricultural development should not be measured solely by the immediate financial returns farmers receive. He said farming activities should also be assessed based on their ability to preserve household assets, sustain food production and improve the welfare of future generations.
He warned that continued land sales and neglect of food production could leave some households with temporary financial gains but eventually without land or sufficient food.
Muwonge's remarks highlight broader concerns about land use in agricultural communities, where farmers must balance commercial crop production with food security, household income and the preservation of land as a long-term family asset.
He argued that coffee growing offers residents an opportunity to generate income without necessarily surrendering ownership of their land, provided they adopt appropriate farming practices and maintain a balance between cash crops and food production.
The celebrations at Ntenjeru brought together community members to mark the Buganda Kingdom Women and Children's Day, providing a platform for leaders to discuss issues affecting household welfare, community development and children's future.
Muwonge's appeal placed land protection and responsible agricultural investment at the centre of the development discussion, urging residents to make decisions that safeguard their families against avoidable poverty and food insecurity.
He called on residents to treat land as a long-term resource rather than an asset to be disposed of without considering the consequences, emphasising the importance of preserving productive land for future generations.
His message underscored the need for households to make informed decisions about land ownership, agricultural investment and food production as Kayunga continues to experience changes in farming practices and land use.