Karamoja farmers turn to wheat in ambitious drive to transform regional economy
MOROTO, April 15, 2026 — A quiet agricultural transformation is taking root across the plains of Karamoja Subregion, as farmers embrace wheat production under a landmark initiative aimed at boosting household incomes and strengthening food security.
In a joint effort by the Government of Uganda and development partners, including the Sasakawa Africa Association [SAA] in Uganda, 41 farmers selected from the region’s nine districts have received support to spearhead wheat cultivation and lay the foundation for a sustainable local industry.
The programme has seen the distribution of eight tonnes of high-quality wheat seed varieties, marking a significant step towards establishing Karamoja as a viable wheat-producing hub.
Each beneficiary farmer has received 175 kilogrammes of seed, enough to cultivate up to five acres, in a carefully designed intervention that goes beyond short-term support. The initiative aims to build a self-sustaining seed production and supply system within three years.
Local leaders and farmers have welcomed the project as a turning point for the region’s economy.
Mark Abuku, Chairperson of Karamoja Farmers’ Cooperative Society, said the introduction of a government-backed buy-back arrangement has strengthened confidence among participants by guaranteeing a ready market for their produce.
“This assurance gives farmers the confidence to invest their time and resources,” he noted.
For many farmers, the project offers renewed hope. Rufina Komol, one of the beneficiaries, described the initiative as a pathway to improved livelihoods.
“This is a doorway to transforming our incomes. If we follow the recommended practices, wheat can become a key source of household earnings,” she said.
With the onset of the rainy season, farmers have moved swiftly to plant, creating a sense of urgency and activity across the region.
Agricultural experts from the SAA are providing hands-on technical guidance to ensure success. Lawrence Rokani, an agriculturalist involved in the rollout, has urged farmers to plant promptly and maintain close contact with extension workers to manage risks such as pests and diseases.
Technical training is central to the initiative. Christine Kamubona, an agronomist with SAA, is equipping farmers with modern practices such as line planting.
“Spacing wheat in rows of 20 centimetres ensures optimal plant population, reduces seed wastage, and makes weeding, spraying and harvesting more efficient,” she explained.
Despite minor challenges, including grasshopper infestations, farmers remain optimistic.
“These are manageable challenges in large-scale farming. I am committed to making this work,” said Emmanuel Eteru, another participant.
The seed distribution process has been smooth, with Bradford Ochieng, who is coordinating activities in Abim district, confirming that all selected farmers collected their inputs on schedule.
The initiative ultimately seeks to build a resilient agricultural system in Karamoja by enabling the region to produce certified, high-quality wheat locally. This is expected to reduce reliance on external suppliers while creating new economic opportunities.
As planting progresses, farmers are hopeful that a successful harvest will mark the beginning of a new chapter, one that positions Karamoja as an emerging centre of agricultural productivity and self-reliance.
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