Donation of machinery to nuns in Uganda
A Cavan man has handed over farm machinery valued at around €45,000 to a farming community run by nuns in Uganda.
The Little Sisters of St Francis community in Busungu were grateful to receive the generous donation by a group of Irish farmers and agri companies headed up by Michael Maguire. The Virginia man said the machinery, which includes a new four-wheel drive tractor, marks the first mechanisation on the 450-acre farm and will transform the way the nuns manage and cultivate their land. The Little Sisters of St. Francis community has grown to around 800 today, all involved in healthcare, education and community activities.
With the new equipment, the nuns say they will be able to increase agricultural productivity, improve efficiency, and sustain their community more effectively. It will also support the nuns in clearing land to make way for the construction of a health centre for local people, the completion of a convent building and the development of an agricultural training centre.
The Little Sisters of St Francis have been working in Uganda since its founder, Mother Kevin, first arrived in the country from Ireland in 1902.
Michael said he and the other farmers are “thrilled” to assist the who have made such a huge contribution to Uganda.
“This order of nuns have had a profound impact on health and education in Uganda for decades, and we are delighted to be able to support the community in their efforts to develop the land in Busungu where they are dedicated to serving and improving the lives of the local population.
“Agriculture is a vital part of any community, and we hope this donation will empower the nuns and enhance the quality of life for everyone they support. We are proud to contribute to the sustainable development of agriculture in Busungu, and look forward to seeing the positive changes that this mechanisation will bring.”
Maguire, who has been a regular visitor to Uganda through his work with agri business Devenish, said the initiative was spearheaded by a group of Irish farmers and agricultural businesses who recognised the need for modern farming tools in Busungu.
“This was a fantastic effort. A group of us had recognised the need for the community of nuns here, and when we put out the call for support no one was found wanting,” Michael recalls.
The donation includes a tractor, which will provide the nuns with the power needed for heavy-duty tasks; a plough, which will help in the preparation of the land for planting and a trailer, which will facilitate the transport of goods and materials across the farm.
Sr Rita Christine Nakitende, the Superior General of the Little Sisters of St. Francis, said they are “greatly touched” by the donation.
“This will help us achieve our dream to build a health centre so communities in our surrounding areas can access medical care.”
She said the machinery will also help the overall management of the farm and the community to put food on the table for all those who rely on the land. “This machinery will not only ease our workload, but will also enable us to grow more food and support our community better. It is a blessing beyond words.”