By Andrew Kavuma
In the heart of a heated political contest, Jonard Asiimwe Akiiki — a youthful technocrat, tycoon, and rising force within the ruling NRM — is shaking the foundations of Western Uganda’s political establishment. With his eyes firmly set on the NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC) Vice Chairperson seat for Western Uganda, Jonard is mounting a powerful challenge to none other than Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, currently being accused by NRM diehards of sleeping on the job and not serving party interests to their satisfaction.
But Jonard isn’t just coming with campaign promises — he’s bringing a full-fledged transformation agenda that could redefine the future of not just Western Uganda, but the country at large.
Agriculture Reimagined: The War Against Subsistence Poverty
In a country where more than 68% of the population still toils in subsistence agriculture, Jonard believes it’s time for a radical shift — one rooted in modern agribusiness, innovation, and connectivity. His masterplan? Transition at least 100,000 farmers into commercial agriculture by 2030.
Backed by a strategic manifesto, Jonard envisions the establishment of regional value chain facilities, post-harvest storage centers, and digital agro-logistics hubs in zones like Bukedi, Teso, and Kigezi. These centers will serve as engines of economic empowerment, helping farmers slash post-harvest losses and increase profitability.
“Ugandan farmers are not poor because they’re lazy,” Jonard affirms. “They’re poor because they are disconnected from the money economy.”
From The Ground To The Global Market
The strategy doesn’t stop at the soil. Jonard’s plan links farmers directly to cross-border markets, supported by trade academies at strategic points such as Busia, Elegu, and Katuna. Through public-private partnerships and collaboration with Uganda Development Bank, farmers will gain access to affordable credit, packaging technology, and export-readiness training to meet international standards.
This forward-thinking approach is tightly aligned with the NDPIII Agro-Industrialisation Programme, ensuring job creation, enhanced food security, and increased foreign exchange through agribusiness exports.
Jonard’s rapid rise has sparked national attention, with supporters calling him “the face of a new era” — a pragmatic leader who blends business acumen, technological insight, and policy innovation. His aggressive campaign for the CEC Vice Chair Western Uganda seat signals a generational shift in the NRM, where action is beginning to trump legacy.
Whether he topples the long-dominant Dr. Baryomunsi or not, one thing is clear: Jonard Asiimwe Akiiki has already disrupted the status quo — and Uganda’s agricultural and political landscapes may never be the same again.