By Haron Okwir
Otuke, Uganda | Vice President Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo has launched the National Oilseeds Project (NOSP) in Otuke District as part of government’s broader agenda to transform Uganda’s agriculture and rural infrastructure.
The launch event took place at Omwonylee Primary School playground in Ogor Sub-county, with the Vice President represented by Otuke District Woman MP, Susan Abeja Okello.
The oilseeds initiative, jointly implemented by the Ministry of Local Government and the Ministry of Agriculture, aims to boost the production and market access of sunflower, soybeans, groundnuts, and simsim.
The project is supported by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), OPEC Fund, Heifer International, Kuehne Stiftung Foundation, and the Government of Uganda.
Delivering the Vice President’s remarks, Abeja described the project as a multisectoral intervention aligned with the 2021–2026 government priorities.
She noted that such initiatives would help government deliver on its development promises.
She also revealed that beyond oilseeds, she had lobbied for a district-wide coffee-growing program, encouraging every household to plant at least one hectare over the next five years.
As part of the launch, a 16.9-kilometre community access road was commissioned connecting Ogor to Omwonylee, Atat, Ameri, Anik, and Okore villages.
Built by GAT Consults Ltd at a cost of UGX 1.63 billion, the road is the first to be officially launched under the NOSP nationwide and is expected to be completed by October 2025.
It includes 49 reinforced concrete culverts and follows Class III district road standards.
Commissioner for Local Economic Development Anthony Namara, representing the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government, said the project supports two key pillars of the Parish Development Model: production and infrastructure.
He emphasized that such efforts are meant to improve household incomes and rural livelihoods.
Local leaders welcomed the development but also pointed out ongoing challenges.
Deputy RDC Francis Okwameri said infrastructure gaps had long stalled wealth creation in Otuke.
LCV Chairperson Abola Francis decried the low market value of oilseeds despite the district’s strong production potential.
Ogor Sub-county Chairperson Jasper Okengo raised concerns about poor network coverage affecting services like ID renewal and business operations.
From the community, Hellen Obua of Ogor Village expressed hope that the new roads would ease access to schools and health centres, especially during the rainy season when movement becomes nearly impossible.
NOSP is being implemented in 81 districts and is expected to run until 2028.
Under Component 2 of the project, 2,500 kilometres of climate-resilient community roads are being developed, with Batch A covering 1,034 kilometres.
Project Coordinator Hajji Yasin Sendaula urged local residents to take ownership of the infrastructure and ensure proper maintenance.
He praised the cooperation between technical teams and communities, saying the project’s success depends on joint responsibility.
The launch event drew participation from district engineers, RDCs, CAOs, and technical teams from across the benefiting regions.
