President Museveni has applauded Hajji Muhammad Yusuf Zziwa, a model farmer in Sselinya B Village, Mpigi District, for successfully adopting the four-acre model of farming, a key component of the National Resistance Movement (NRM)’s strategy to boost household incomes through small-scale commercial agriculture.
While touring Zziwa’s Zimu Demonstration Farm on Tuesday, President Museveni praised the farmer for translating government policy into practice and showcasing how limited land, when used efficiently, can transform livelihoods.
“Even those with small pieces of land can become rich if they follow this model,” the President said, outlining the core components of the strategy: one acre for coffee, another for fruits, a third for pasture for zero-grazing livestock, and the fourth for food crops for home consumption. He also recommended integrating poultry, piggery (for non-Muslims), and fish farming where applicable.
Zziwa’s enterprise stands as a testament to this approach. What began with a single cow has grown into a mixed farm producing 10 litres of milk daily and 55 trays of eggs, each selling at Shs 10,000. His poultry business alone brings in an estimated Shs 198 million annually, with a net income of Shs60 million. His coffee plantation generates Shs 68 million in gross income yearly, with Shs 56.8 million in profit. Other income sources include banana plantations and avocado farming, though the latter is currently operating at a loss.
Overall, Zziwa’s four-acre farm earns a gross annual income of Shs 294 million. He has also diversified into herbal medicine production, with one of his products, a tooth remedy, already certified by the National Drug Authority (NDA).
Recognizing his contribution to agricultural transformation, President Museveni pledged further support by donating a solar-powered water pump to address persistent water shortages in the village and a pickup truck to ease transport costs for poultry feeds, which Zziwa currently sources from as far as Mukono.
Despite his success, Zziwa raised concerns about the high costs of poultry feed, price volatility, and unreliable water supply.
Nevertheless, his farm has become a regional demonstration centre, offering training and inspiration to fellow farmers.
Former Mawokota North MP Hon. Amelia Kyambadde, who was present at the event, commended the President’s focus on economic empowerment through agriculture but cautioned about the growing pressure on local resources due to population growth.
She urged the government to improve infrastructure and services, including building a hospital, introducing a ferry to ease transport, and establishing a youth training hub focused on agriculture and entrepreneurship.
In response, President Museveni reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to rural transformation through strategic initiatives such as the four-acre model.
“Sustainable household wealth creation is the foundation of our long-term development plan,” he said.
