Lira | Odongo Isaac Ekuu thinks the four-acre model is poised to be transformative for the residents of Kyoga North in Amolatar district.
He’s one of the aspiring candidates for the Kyoga North MP seat under the National Resistance Movement. Ekuu has recently criticized the inadequate coordination between Local government leaders and the Central government, which he claims is hindering development efforts.
He made the above observation on January 14, 2025, at Hotel Good News in Lira City while addressing the media about how individuals can escape poverty by leveraging President Museveni’s directive on the four-acre model.
Ahead of his planned political campaigns, Ekuu emphasized the importance of agriculture and urged the government to supply walking tractors to all parishes to enhance agricultural productivity.
“It is essential for every parish to have access to such resources.”
He gave a nod that President Museveni’s vision implies that it is counterproductive to pursue development when households lack the financial means to meet their basic needs.
The four-acre model, he said, is designed to thrive, given that northern Uganda possesses fertile land suitable for smart farming. “The allocation of one acre for livestock grazing and another for food crop cultivation exemplifies President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s initiative.”
“This model is particularly effective as it promotes interdependence among various agricultural enterprises, leading to increased productivity and higher returns on investment, especially with the availability of free fertilizers.”
The use of animal manure as a nutrient source for crops further reduces production costs, making the four-acre model a sustainable approach to enhancing household incomes.
To combat poverty, he said, Uganda must focus on boosting agricultural output, which can be achieved by enhancing farm productivity.
Odongo’s vision is that with government support for irrigation, agriculture could become the leading sector in northern Uganda, enabling farmers to remain productive year-round.
On fishing, he said another challenge is the use of fish cages on Lakes Kyoga and Kwania which surround Amolatar. Once implemented well, fish is another game changer.
“The primary challenges we face stem from the displacement of numerous families due to the water (increased water level) affecting the lakes. This situation arises largely because our leaders fail to engage with and address the issues present within the community,” he added.
A more effective response could be achieved if the leaders were united and possessed a strong capacity for advocacy, he said.
Politics
Currently, two have emerged to contest for the Kyoga North constituency seat in the upcoming 2026 elections.
Okodo Peter, director of the Jerusalem Institute of Health Sciences in Lira City, and Isaac Odongo Ekuu, a former bank manager at Barclays Bank, are two of the aspiring candidates.
Ekuu previously worked as general manager for the Pader Abim Community Multipurpose Electric Cooperative Society Limited.
The incumbent, James Olobo Dubai, is also in the race.
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