- “This relationship started even before the COVID-19 pandemic, and I’m glad to see it bearing tangible fruits today,” . “We are especially grateful for your focus on empowering our youth and your contribution to the Parish Development Model (PDM) through the VAM initiative.”–Rt. Hon. Kadaga remarked

By: Samuel Mwesigwa manager Current Affairs Baba Tv
Prof. Li Xiaoyun, Lead Chair Professor at China Agricultural University, made a courtesy visit to Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga, 1st Deputy Prime Minister of Uganda and Patron of the Busoga Consortium for Development (BCD). The two reaffirmed the longstanding China–Busoga partnership, especially around the Village Agricultural Model (VAM) initiative and broader regional upliftment efforts
During the meeting, Rt. Hon. Kadaga expressed deep appreciation for the longstanding cooperation between the Chinese delegation and Uganda, particularly the ongoing efforts under the Village Agricultural Model (VAM) program.
She commended the delegation for choosing Busoga as a model region for the initiative, noting that the region’s youth and rural farmers are greatly benefiting from the skills and exposure being offered.
“This relationship started even before the COVID-19 pandemic, and I’m glad to see it bearing tangible fruits today,” Rt. Hon. Kadaga remarked. “We are especially grateful for your focus on empowering our youth and your contribution to the Parish Development Model (PDM) through the VAM initiative.”
The First Deputy Prime Minister further highlighted the region’s need for additional support in vocational training, pointing out that while Busoga already has some vocational hubs, they are not sufficient to meet the demand for skills development among the youth.
In response, Professor Li reiterated China’s commitment to the transformation of Uganda’s agriculture and youth employment through practical training and mentorship. He revealed that ten young entrepreneurs from Busoga had recently traveled to China for a mentorship program and more will be recruited in the coming months.
“We are committed to taking exemplary young people from every village to training hubs like morogolo, where they will be equipped with hands-on skills in milk and soya production,” Professor Li noted.
“We shall begin with the Director General of the Busoga Consortium, Dr. Mula Anthony, as we prepare for wider youth recruitment.”
Professor Li also outlined several ongoing projects under the VAM program and Young Rural Entrepreneurs projects in Busoga, including chili and soybean farming, youth incubation programs, and demonstration farms. These projects are designed not only to boost food security but also to create employment and promote value addition in agriculture.
The meeting reaffirmed the shared vision of promoting Busoga as a national model for inclusive rural transformation through agriculture, youth skilling, and international cooperation.