LIRA CITY, April 21, 2026 — In Lira City, what was once discarded as worthless garbage is now fueling an agricultural revolution. Fidena Agri Uganda Ltd is transforming organic waste into high-impact fertiliser that is boosting crop yields, increasing farmers’ incomes, and helping to solve the city’s growing waste crisis.
Garbage that once littered the environment is now being turned into valuable agricultural input. Organic waste is recycled into liquid fertiliser and manure, helping farmers improve productivity and boost food production.
Located in Adwila, Lira City East Division, Fidena Agri Uganda Ltd developed this innovation five years ago to support small-scale farmers and strengthen food security in Uganda and across East Africa.
The company produces Eggo Farm Organic Fertilizer, a natural product made from organic waste such as eggshells and banana peels. The fertiliser provides essential nutrients for plant growth while promoting sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation.
According to Managing Director Denis Ogwang, the product is 100 per cent organic, affordable, easy to use, and can increase crop yields by up to 185 per cent.
“It has been developed through prototypes and approved by the National Agricultural Research Organization and the Uganda National Bureau of Standards,” he said.
In addition, the company produces Kamula, an organic pesticide derived from vegetable waste. It controls pests such as whiteflies, aphids, thrips, mealybugs, caterpillars, and leafhoppers while remaining safe for beneficial insects such as bees and natural predators.
To sustain production, the company has established collection points in markets and urban areas, collecting and sorting more than 50 tonnes of organic waste each month from markets, streets, and food vendors.
The production process involves collection, sorting, cleaning, crushing, pre-fermentation, boiling, ingredient mixing, fermentation, processing into liquid form, and packaging.
Innovation driven by challenges
Ogwang says the idea was born in 2020 amid challenges such as poor crop yields, climate change, and the high cost of agricultural inputs.
“During the COVID-19 outbreak, importing agricultural inputs from countries like Ukraine and Russia became difficult,” he explained.
At the same time, Lira City was facing a growing garbage problem. The company responded by converting waste into affordable agricultural inputs, addressing both environmental and farming challenges.
Demand for the fertiliser has since expanded beyond Uganda to neighboring countries, including Rwanda and Tanzania.
Improving waste management
Lira City environment Officer Leonard Otika says the initiative has improved waste management while raising public awareness about garbage sorting.
The city generates between 100 and 120 tonnes of waste daily, much of which is recyclable.
“Garbage should be sorted at the source so biodegradable materials can be converted into manure or liquid fertiliser,” he said.
Lira City Mayor Atul praised the initiative, noting that about 70 per cent of the city’s waste is recyclable. He added that partnerships with private companies have improved garbage management.
Farmers report positive results
Farmers using the organic fertiliser say it has significantly improved their yields.
Cypriano Okwir says his soybean crops survived a severe dry spell after applying the fertiliser. “Many people came to ask what I was using to keep my plants green,” he said.
Another farmer, Emmanuel Ogwang, reported increased yields and improved plant growth. “During a five-week dry spell, my crops stood out. One plant produced up to 70 pods,” he said.
Creating livelihoods
The initiative has also created income opportunities for local residents. Street vendor Jasper Awira earns about Shs 15,000 per week by supplying crushed eggshells.
Similarly, Jimmy Opio collects and sells organic waste several times a week, benefiting from the growing demand.
Fidena Agri’s innovation demonstrates how waste can be turned into wealth. By converting organic garbage into fertiliser and pesticides, the company is improving agricultural productivity, promoting environmental conservation, and creating economic opportunities for communities.
https://thecooperator.news/lira-city-organic-fertiliser-maker-targets-regional-market/
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