Abim farmers call for agricultural mechanisation to end cattle rustling in Karamoja

ABIM, October 19, 2026 — Adea Church of Uganda Millers, a farmers’ group based in Adea Village, Morulem Subcounty, Abim District, has called for increased agricultural mechanisation in the Karamoja sub-region, saying it could help eradicate poverty and curb cattle rustling.

The group says supporting farmers in districts bordering Karamoja with modern agricultural machinery would encourage communities involved in cattle rustling to abandon the practice and embrace commercial farming.

James Ogwang, the group’s Chairperson, said promoting improved livestock breeds alongside mechanised agriculture could help transform livelihoods and contribute to lasting peace and stability in the sub-region.

He was speaking during a recent monitoring field visit by a team from Sasakawa Africa Association [SAA], which was assessing the impact of support extended to the group, which has 30 members.

With funding from the World Food Programme [WFP] through SAA, the group acquired a tractor worth Shs 112 million on loan after making an initial deposit of Shs 45mln. It also procured a grinding mill.

Ogwang said demand for tractor services had increased in neighbouring districts, including Otuke, Amuria, Agago and Katakwi, creating a need for additional machinery to meet farmers’ needs.

He said the group had initially planned to repay the tractor loan over two years but expected to complete the payments within one year because of the high demand for tractor-hiring services.

“We have a lot of work during the farming season. The demand is very high, which is why we have moved very fast in repaying the loan,” Ogwang said.

He added that more households were turning to tractors to open land for planting because mechanisation saves time and reduces reliance on ox-ploughs.

“People are opting for tractors instead of ox-ploughs. Some have also lost their animals to Karamojong raiders, so they have nothing left to use for ploughing,” he said.

Ogwang explained that the group started in 2020 as a village savings and loan association to address challenges members faced in accessing financial services.

He said the group was now planning to acquire a second tractor, noting that income generated from the existing machinery would help finance the next purchase.

“As a group, we are looking forward to acquiring another tractor. Now that we have one and are about to complete the loan repayment, it will be easier for us to pay for a second tractor using the money we generate,” he said.

SAA Deputy Country Director Joseph Bbemba said the association considered it necessary to support the group with a tractor to improve access to timely agricultural services and complement the farmers’ efforts.

He said the initial plan was to provide the group with a walking tractor, but members rejected the proposal in favour of a larger machine.

“This prompted us to look for a private service provider and provide them with a tractor,” Bbemba said.

He added that SAA had projected that the group would cover 1,000 acres within two years, generating enough income to repay the loan.

The initiative is expected to strengthen agricultural production, improve farmers’ access to mechanisation and create alternative livelihood opportunities for communities in the Karamoja sub-region and neighbouring districts.

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