By: Kyeyune Ali
The Buvuma Oil Palm Project that kicked off in May of 2021 has planted over 2500 hectares of oil palm trees in District of Buvuma though the government’s target was 5000 hectares in space of over five years.
However, the government confessed that the project progress has been delayed due to compensation of the owners of the private land at the island, to reach on this development, Government officials had on Wednesday visited the project to see its progress.
Despite the land issues and failure to achieve the set targets, the project has lifted the economic levels and income of households in 53 Islands.
The project has improved household incomes, local revenue taxes, created employment opportunities for the youth and women.
Management through corporate social responsibility contributed to the construction of a modern ferry and they also lend equipment the district to maintain roads.” Said Sserunjogi Wilson, the Senior Assistant CAO and Project Coordinator
“The number of tourists has also increased. Criminal rates have reduced due to increased security and the youth are fully occupied in income generating activities.” He added.
According to Sserunjogi Wilson the senior assistant CAO and project coordinator, “You need land near a reliable water source, enough sunshine, fertilizers and an expert to guide you on how to plant the trees.”
“In one acre, you plant 60 palm trees which is an investment of 1.2 million. You can earn 6 to 7 million during the harvest season. The trees suffocate the weeds thus reducing costs of weeding”. he said.
