 |
A section of oil palm tree plantations in Kalangala district, Uganda (photo by Mutayoba Arbogast)
By Mutayoba Arbogast
Boxing
Day, celebrated annually on December 26th, has always been a time for giving
and family gatherings. Last year, this day took on a special meaning for my
family as we embarked on a long-awaited trip to visit relatives in Uganda. It
was a journey filled with excitement, challenges, and profound lessons.
Accompanied
by my younger siblings and son, we departed in high spirits, making our way to
the Mutukula border. The initial part of the journey was smooth. Immigration
was seamless, and we managed to exchange currency without much hassle.
However,
things took a turn when we encountered an issue with our vehicle insurance
sticker. Despite paying TSh 90,000 to a middleman, the receipt reflected no
record of this payment.
Our
queries to another official yielded no answers, and the person who had taken
our money was nowhere to be found. Still, determined not to let this setback
dampen our spirits, we pressed on.
The
road from the Mutukula One Stop Border Post to Kyotera town was rough and
jarring, a stark contrast to the smooth Bukoba-Mutukula road we had left behind.
Our
vehicle swayed as we dodged potholes, but the surrounding scenery offered some
solace. What stood out was the surprising absence of roadblocks. Unlike our
home region of Kagera, notorious for frequent and sometimes unnecessary vehicle
inspections, we encountered only a few along the way to Masaka.
This
brought to mind a June 2022 conference in Mutukula Town Council, where Speaker
Kabangira Fred criticized Tanzania's excessive roadblocks for stifling trade
and business.
As
we journeyed on, the landscape unfolded with charm. Children waved
enthusiastically, cattle grazed along the roads, and small business centers
dotted the route.
By
dawn, we arrived in Masaka, reuniting with my younger brother near the police
station. His warm welcome into his home in Omunyendo made the challenging
journey worthwhile.
The
next day, Masaka came alive before our eyes. Visiting my brother’s workplace at
Kassamba, a fishing port on Lake Victoria, was a highlight. Driving through
Kalangala district, we were captivated by the vast palm tree plantations. At
Bukakata port, we boarded a ferry operated by Tanzanians for a scenic ride
across the lake. The views of the palm plantations were mesmerizing.
Local
farmers shared their insights on the oil palm industry. Those with at least
four hectares of land could secure loans from BIDCO to finance their farming
activities.
This
initiative benefits both medium and small-scale farmers, a model Tanzania could
learn from. Uganda’s oil palm industry spans over 11,000 hectares, with local
farmers playing a significant role.
Given
that palm oil accounts for 30% of global vegetable oil production, Uganda’s
agricultural strategies present a valuable example for Tanzania’s growth.
At
Kassamba Port, we were greeted with the traditional gesture of kneeling, a
custom that sparked mixed feelings of familiarity and debate. Despite the
language barrier—most locals spoke Luganda—we connected through gestures and
shared meals. One unforgettable dish was 'Omubumbo,' a delightful combination
of matoke and chicken steamed in banana leaves.
The
peaceful night that followed, devoid of noise or mosquito bites, was a stark
reminder of how cultural values and practices shape communities. However, the
lack of phone service left us feeling disconnected.
As
we made our way back to Masaka, we visited our married sister, enjoyed more
local delicacies, and shopped for gifts to surprise loved ones back home.
Returning to Bukoba felt like closing a meaningful chapter.
Once
I regained phone service, an unexpected message added a final flourish to our
adventure: an invitation to the Uganda Diaspora Homecoming Gala Dinner, a
tantalizing opportunity I wished I could embrace.
Reflecting
on this journey, it’s clear that Uganda’s agricultural practices offer valuable
lessons for Tanzania.
From
systematic farmer support to efficient plantation management, Uganda’s approach
to oil palm cultivation demonstrates the power of innovation and organization.
By
adopting and adapting these strategies, Tanzania can pave the way for increased
agricultural productivity and prosperity. This journey was not just a trip
across borders; it was a bridge to ideas that could shape a brighter future for
our nation.
