Abim, Otuke districts receive Shs 1.9bln agro-investment hubs
These hubs have been equipped with essential infrastructure, including a grain bulking store, an input shop, offices, and sanitation facilities
ABIM, March 16, 2025 – Two agro-investment hubs have been established in Abim and Otuke districts to improve access to agricultural inputs and entice farmers to engage in commercial farming.
The facilities, set up at Orwamuge Town Council under the Abim West Farmers’ Cooperative Society Limited, aim to enhance storage, value addition, and the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices.
These hubs have been equipped with essential infrastructure, including a grain bulking store, an input shop, offices, and sanitation facilities. They also feature milling plants and irrigation equipment.
Designed to promote year-round agricultural productivity and better market access, the hubs were recently inaugurated.
These facilities are expected to benefit more than 50,000 smallholder farmers by providing the tools, knowledge, and services necessary to boost productivity and profitability, which will help reduce poverty and improve food security.
They are part of 18 hubs set up across the country by the Sasakawa Africa Association [SAA] under the One Stop Centre Association [OSCA] model, with financial backing from Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Ande Okiror, SAA’s Programme Coordinator for Market-Oriented Agriculture, previously stated that the project aligns with their shared objective of reducing rural poverty and food insecurity by strengthening multi-purpose agricultural cooperatives.
He added that the initiative is already having a transformative impact in Kole and Napak districts, where it is currently being implemented.
During the commissioning of the facilities on behalf of the government, Peter Lokeris, Minister for Karamoja Affairs, expressed gratitude to the development partners for their intervention.
“What I’ve seen here [Abim West Farmers’ Cooperative Society Limited] is remarkable. The way the cooperative members have embraced this project is truly commendable. First and foremost, this is a comprehensive initiative that will reduce poverty and enhance food security in the Karamoja region. In general, the people of Abim are very productive,” said the minister.
Jimmy Owiny Opio, Commercial Officer for Agago District, remarked: “I want to thank Sasakawa for the excellent work they are doing in Karamoja to support farmers. The investment they have made should not be mismanaged by the cooperative leaders. Let this be the starting point for even greater achievements together.”
Robert Anyang, the Country Director of SAA, explained that their main focus is to transform the lives of people in the Karamoja region.
“The vision Sasakawa holds is to work closely with the farmers every day. Working with farmers means contributing, sharing, and ensuring we reach our goals,” he said, adding that with support from Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, SAA has already built 18 one-stop centres in Uganda.
He further mentioned that two additional agro-investment hubs will be established in Karamoja in 2026.
“We aim to transform Karamoja. As such, we want to see irrigation, mechanisation, and for Karamoja to feed itself and the rest of Uganda,” he said.
Agriculture remains the backbone of Uganda’s economy, employing over 60 percent of the population and contributing significantly to GDP and export earnings.
However, smallholder farmers in Uganda, including those in Abim and Otuke, face numerous challenges that hinder their productivity and profitability. These challenges include limited access to agricultural inputs, insufficient storage and processing facilities, poor market linkages, and the adverse impacts of climate change.
https://thecooperator.news/agro-processing-facilities-lie-idle-in-kapelebyong-district/
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