Shs1.9 billion agro-investment hubs open in Otuke, Abim

Uganda's agricultural sector is set to receive a significant boost with the establishment of two agro-investment hubs in Otuke and Abim districts.

The hubs, constructed at a cost of over Shs1.9 billion, aim to enhance access to inputs, strengthen market-oriented agriculture, improve storage and value addition, and foster climate-smart agriculture.

Commissioning the facilities, Mr Peter Lokeris, Karamoja Affairs Minister, praised the initiative, saying, "What I've seen here is marvelous. This is a holistic project that will reduce poverty and improve food security in the Karamoja region."

The hubs, equipped with grain bulking stores, input shops, offices, and sanitation facilities, as well as milling plants and irrigation equipment, are expected to benefit over 50,000 smallholder farmers.

Mr Jimmy Owiny Opio, Agago District commercial officer, emphasised the importance of proper management, saying, "The investment should not be mismanaged by the leaders of the cooperatives. Let this be a starting point for a bigger thing for us to achieve together."

The country director for Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) in Uganda, Mr Robert Anyang, highlighted the organization's focus on transforming the lives of farmers in the Karamoja region. "We want to transform Karamoja. We want to see irrigation, mechanization, and Karamoja feeding itself and Uganda," he said.

These hubs are part of the 18 established across the country by SAA, with support from Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Two additional agro-investment hubs are set to be established in Karamoja in 2026.

Agriculture is a vital sector in Uganda, employing over 60% of the population and contributing significantly to GDP and export earnings. However, smallholder farmers face numerous challenges, including limited access to inputs, inadequate storage, and poor market linkages. The Sasakawa Africa Association aims to address these challenges through the One Stop Centre Association (OSCA) model.

The OSCA model is designed to provide smallholder farmers with a one-stop center for all their agricultural needs. The model aims to enhance agricultural productivity, improve market access, and increase farmers' incomes. By providing access to inputs, markets, and extension services, the OSCA model seeks to empower smallholder farmers to take control of their agricultural activities and improve their livelihoods.