South Rwenzori Diocese has rolled out Apiary project by supplying of beehives to the communities with an aim of mitigating swamp drainage and protecting the buffer zones of rivers streaming from the Rwenzori Mountains.
The rolled-out project funded by the Barnabas Aid – UK saw 240 beehives handed to Maliba Archdeaconry, Kibalya Parish and Misika Church of Uganda in Kogere Parish, Kasese Archdeaconry as the first beneficiaries.
Rt. Rev. Nason Baluku, the South Rwenzori Diocesan Bishop while commissioning the project says the supply of beehives was in fulfillment of Objective Number Five (5) of the 10-year- Diocesan Strategic Development Plan. According to him, the objective is centred on environment protection including reversing the damaged buffer zones of rivers and drained wetlands.
The Prelate also revealed that the project would also act as an alternative source of income to the people cultivating in swampy areas and along the river banks in an attempt to maintain the ecosystems of the Rwenzori Mountains that contribute to the source of River Nile and Lake Victoria.
He, however, cautioned the public against the unnecessary burning of bushes and using toxic herbicides and pesticides that would kill the bees and also asked the beneficiaries to put the beehives to proper use.
Mrs. Eunice Sunday Mutoro, the Diocesan Mothers’ Union Worker disclosed that beekeeping and honey production would enhance the nutrition and health of the people since it also serves as medicine. She asked the people to embrace the project since it would even boost their household income.
“Honey is medicine, it is even added in the usual medicine we are get from health facilities. It also helps in managing blood sugar levels. Actually, for diabetic persons, honey is the recommendable remedy. For joint pains, honey is a pain relief. And for income, honey sales very well because one-kilogram costs Uganda Shillings 15,000 and this makes apiary project an income generating business.”
Ven. Manasi Takwenda, the Archdeacon at Maliba Archdeaconry who was among the beneficiaries commended the Bishop for the initiative and asked the Christians to welcome the project.
Ven. Takwenda was optimistic that the Apiary project would boost food productivity since bees contribute much on flowering plants by collecting nectar. This he said would increase church income hence reducing on the number of contribution baskets placed in church during Sunday services.