By Patrick Okino
The Eastern Africa Grain Council (EAGC) has raised concerns over limited access to agro-processing facilities, poor grain quality, and inadequate warehouse infrastructure, challenges that continue to affect farmers across Uganda.
The council has called on local governments to strengthen support for smallholder farmers and invest in modern post-harvest management solutions, noting that more than 40 percent of grain production is lost during post-harvest handling.
Speaking during the Northern Uganda Agribusiness Expo at the Ngetta Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute in Lira City on Friday, Paul Ocuna, the Country Programme Manager of EAGC, said greater attention is needed to help smallholder farmers realize their full potential.
“We know that the grain sector is the lifeblood of Uganda’s food system. It is at the heart of household nutrition, national food security, and regional trade. For this sector to reach its full potential, we must collectively address the persistent challenges affecting it,” Ocuna said.
He explained that through its flagship programmes, EAGC is driving change by institutionalizing structured grain trade through grain business hubs, where farmers can aggregate, store, and trade produce more efficiently.
According to Ocuna, EAGC is also transforming cooperatives into productive and profit-oriented grain business hubs while providing market information through the Regional Agricultural Trade Intelligence Network (RATIN), which monitors agricultural markets across 11 border towns in the region.
“We are creating change by building skills and professionalism through the Grain Business Institute, one of our key pillars that promotes capacity building and training,” he added.
The Northern Uganda Agribusiness Expo, which attracted more than 30 exhibitors, was held on Friday and Saturday. Participants included agro-input dealers, agricultural machinery suppliers, tractor and farm implement traders, irrigation technology providers, and farmer groups.
Dr. Barnabas Mudde, a Senior Research Officer at the Ngetta Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute, commended EAGC for organizing the expo, saying it provides an important platform for showcasing agricultural technologies, networking, and farmer learning.
“This expo gives us an opportunity to showcase the technologies we have been developing while enabling farmers to interact, share experiences, and learn modern farming practices,” he said.
Dr. Mudde added that the partnership supports government interventions such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and promotes the adoption of high-yielding crop technologies, including maize and soybean varieties, which contribute to the implementation of Uganda’s National Development Plan IV.
Lira City Production Officer, Buruno Komkech, said the city is promoting market-oriented agricultural production aimed at improving food security and increasing household incomes.
“We are supporting enterprises such as apiculture, coffee growing, horticulture, maize, soybean, and other crops that can generate income for households,” Komkech said.
He noted that the city’s agricultural development efforts are focused on enhancing productivity and ensuring farmers engage in enterprises with strong market potential.
Rev. Fr. George Ogwal Akaca, a priest in the Lira Diocese, said he has embraced agriculture because it remains the backbone of Uganda’s economy and livelihood.
He noted that without knowledge of modern agricultural practices, it becomes difficult for people to fully benefit from the sector.
Fr. Ogwal said that during his more than 25 years of priesthood, he has realized that Christians need sustainable sources of income to support their families, feed themselves, pay school fees, access healthcare, and contribute to church activities.
“As a priest, it does not mean that I should only have knowledge of the Bible, stand at the pulpit, and celebrate Mass. I also have a responsibility to encourage Christians to engage in farming because it can generate income and improve their livelihoods,” he said.
Caroline Akello observed that many farmers are still relying on traditional farming methods, which continue to limit agricultural productivity.
