By Agatha N. Biira and Asenath Were
The Faculty of Agriculture at Uganda Christian University (UCU) is giving out vegetables to the outside community as well as empowering farmers.
Speaking to the students about this initiative, here is what they had to say.
Brian Ninsiima- Masters of Divinity and Theology
As far as this is concerned, they are selling the faculty to the people so that they (the people in the community) know that something is being done at UCU.
The faculty are also creating a good relationship with the community as a whole and with UCU at large.
They are also empowering the farmers, which is a good initiative that is benefiting the community.
I think this is also another way of providing food, directly and indirectly. Some farmers will improve their produce, sell it, and get money.
Haulah Najjuka- BAMC 2
I think they are boosting the agriculture faculty because they are giving these vegetables out freely. I believe they are giving out good quality food, so even the people that didn’t have it will get it. This will also ensure that there will be quality products on the market after they are sold. This, in the end, will improve the standard of living, especially for those that do commercial farming.
I also think this is a good initiative because they are giving back to the community, which in the end will create a good relationship between UCU and its community.
Newton Tamale- LLB 1
I don’t think this is a bad thing because it is benefiting the community. They are teaching farmers modern farming, which I think is the future of agriculture.
This initiative means that the community is accepting agriculture. If they are accepting these vegetables, then that means they have accepted agriculture as a good motive.
I also think that this is going to change how people view universities.
Ruth Barigye- BHRM 2
This is a good initiative. Biblically, they will get blessings for giving back to the community.
Through this initiative, the faculty of Agriculture is helping these people improve theor health. Vegetables are needed in the body and the nutrients we get from them are as important as any other nutrients we get from other foods. So, these vegetables are a big part of our diet.
I also think the faculty is creating awareness about themselves and letting people know about it’s activities at UCU.
Samuel Longok- BDIV 3
This is a good thing. It’s an act of charity to the community because, looking at the state of the economy, not everyone is able to afford some of these things.
Depending on people’s responses, some will commend the faculty, and some will take an interest in the university and have their children join UCU at a later time.
Victoria Poni – HEC (Bridging Program)
This is a good initiative because not everyone out there has access to these things. So, sometimes it is good to give back to the community.
However, I think there are going to be some challenges because I don’t think everyone will receive these vegetables, which might result in negative responses from the community. And then, some people might think of this move in a negative way because they will think they are getting spoiled.
