By Patrick Okino
The National Oilseeds Project (NOSP), an initiative funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development, has called for increased production of oilseed crops in Uganda to boost economic development and improve market linkages.
The seven-year project, which operates in 81 districts across the country, targets improved production and productivity for 120,000 smallholder households. Under its infrastructure development component, the project also plans to rehabilitate 2,500 kilometres of community access roads to benefit 356,000 rural households. The OPEC Fund for International Development is also supporting the project.
Speaking during a project review meeting at Komar Hotel in Lira City on Tuesday, Emmanuel Moses Tukei, the Project Agronomist at the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, said the project prioritises sunflower, sesame, soybean, and groundnut production.
He said the project has so far reached 56,082 households with extension services out of the targeted 120,000 farmers. In addition, 200 tractors have been procured to support farmers, while climate-resilient farming practices are being promoted through extension and agronomy services.
“We are looking at technologies and practices that enhance high yields and dissemination of weather-related information. We have also offered support to the National Agricultural Research Organisation and Makerere University so that we can have year-round seed production to meet demand current,” he said.
Tukei added that NOSP intends to reach 4,600 farmer groups. In the first year of implementation, the project managed to reach 2,167 groups, leaving a gap of 2,443 groups yet to be covered.
He further noted that the project has established 1,777.5 acres for cultivation of soybean, sunflower, groundnuts, and sesame.
Among the challenges highlighted was limited access to quality oilseed varieties. Tukei said the ministry is working with researchers and off-takers to promote local seed varieties. He added that multiplication gardens for the Sunpola sunflower variety have already been established and are expected to improve seed quality availability for farmers.
David Ebong Abongo, a former Member of Parliament who is now a farmer, said there is a premium market for oilseeds in Europe, but farmers and exporters need to better understand export specifications.
“We need to understand the market specifications and align ourselves to them,” he said.
Abongo also emphasised the importance of digitalising farmers to increase production and reduce risks. According to him, digital platforms make it easier for farmers to access financial services without physically visiting banks.
“It is easier because a farmer makes an order today, the bank approves the loan, and the supplier delivers,” he added.
He urged farmers to embrace technology, noting that without modernisation, Uganda’s farmers would continue struggling to produce competitively for export markets.
Abongo further revealed that 42 storage facilities and bulking centres established by the Ministry of Agriculture in the Lango sub-region are currently underutilised and operating below 10 percent capacity.
David Apunyo from Dokolo District said the main sunflower buyers in the sub-region are Mukwano Group and Mount Meru Group, while groundnuts and sesame are mainly purchased by local traders.
He added that access to quality seeds remains a major challenge and called for urgent intervention to boost production.
1-Caption; Ebong Abongo making a contribution during the meetion
3- Tukei making presentation during the meeting at Komar Hotel in Lira
———- Forwarded message ———
From: Patrick Okino <patrickokino44@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 20 May 2026, 12:53
Subject: NOSP Calls for Increased Oilseed Production for Economic Development
To: Website <website@newvision.co.ug>
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