Kampala — Vice-President Prof. Gilbert Bukenya has donated 1,000 kilogrammes of improved rice seeds to the residents of Iriiri sub-county in Moroto district.

The donation of Nerica V upland rice followed demands from women and youth who abandoned rustling for agriculture. They told Bukenya that they had cleared their gardens and were waiting for the seeds.

"These rice seeds alone are not enough. NAADS must also buy more seeds for these people who have expressed a strong desire to get involved in agriculture," Bukenya said.

Iriiri is one of the National Agriculture Advisory Services (NAADS) pilot sub-counties.

The Vice-President, who is on a two-week tour of Karamoja to popularise the "Prosperity For All" programme, asked local leaders to mobilise the residents to engage in profitable agriculture.

Bukenya, who also visited Ngoliarite sub-county in Bokora county and Namalu sub-county in Nakapiripirit district, said basing on the fertility of the Karamoja soils, the area could feed the rest of the country.

Karamoja, the Vice-President said, should get exotic bulls to improve livestock breeds.

The UPDF 3rd Division army commander, Brig. Patrick Kankiriho, said the disarmament process was succeeding, with reduced ambushes and cattle rustling.

The youth, he observed, were turning to agriculture, which was boosting food security.

Iriiri sub-county chairperson John Ogwel said the Karimojong needed technical guidance and support to carry out productive agriculture.