Oil Palm Project Gains Momentum in Mukono as Leaders Push for Community Awareness

Mukono District has taken a major step toward agricultural transformation following a high-level planning meeting on the proposed rollout of the National Oil Palm Project.

The engagement, held at the district headquarters in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), brought together political leaders, technical staff, and development partners to align strategies ahead of a required District Council resolution to formally adopt the initiative.

The project, funded by the Government of Uganda with support from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), will be implemented through a Public-Private Partnership involving BIDCO Uganda Limited and Wimar International. It aims to boost domestic production of vegetable oil, increase household incomes, and create employment opportunities through smallholder out-grower schemes.

Opening the meeting, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Stephen Muhumuza underscored the need for intensified community sensitization to ensure farmers fully understand the opportunities, requirements, and long-term benefits of oil palm cultivation. He noted that while the crop is not entirely new in Mukono, the district has yet to formally implement the national programme.

Muhumuza emphasized that the project’s success will depend on coordinated planning, availability of suitable land, and active community mobilization. He called on leaders and technical teams to play a proactive role in preparing communities and building consensus ahead of implementation.

During the discussions, Mukono District Vice Chairperson Joram Kabali Kimera raised concerns drawn from past experiences with commercial agriculture, particularly sugarcane farming. He urged implementers to ensure reliable markets and fair pricing mechanisms to safeguard farmers from potential losses.

Technical presentations provided further insights into the project. Environmental Health and Safety Officer Robert Charles explained that oil palm is a long-term perennial crop with a lifespan of up to 25 years. Harvesting begins after about three years, with peak production between the 7th and 25th year, offering farmers sustained income over time.

He also revealed that an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment is currently being conducted by Gesch Consultants to identify potential risks and mitigation measures, with completion expected by September.

In a related presentation, Wilson Serunjogi advised that farmers with limited land may not directly benefit from oil palm cultivation. He encouraged such households to engage in complementary agricultural activities, particularly food production, to support oil palm-growing communities and maintain food security.

The meeting outlined key requirements for project rollout, including the need for a District Council resolution, appointment of a district focal person, and identification of suitable public land for infrastructure such as nurseries, storage facilities, and processing units. Farmers will also be required to use land free from disputes, given the long-term nature of the crop.

Participants were informed that government will provide financial support through structured loan arrangements, with repayment expected to begin after harvesting starts.

The National Oil Palm Project is part of Uganda’s broader strategy to reduce reliance on imported vegetable oils, which currently cost the country substantial financial resources, while promoting rural development and economic transformation.

Leaders emphasized that while the project presents significant opportunities for income generation and job creation, its success will depend on effective sensitization, transparent planning, and strong collaboration among stakeholders.

As Mukono District prepares for a Council resolution, there is a shared commitment to ensure that farmers are well-informed, protected, and actively involved in the process. If effectively implemented, the initiative has the potential to transform livelihoods, strengthen food systems, and drive sustainable development in the district.