By Our Reporter
TESO - Dr. Pascal Osire, CEO of MK Modern Organics and Natural Products, is making headlines after leading a team of three Chinese investors on a mission to transform the agricultural sector in Teso. Handpicked by the Presidential Advisory Committee on Exports and Industrial Development (PACEID), chaired by Mr. Odrek Rwabwogo, the investors aim to establish two factories in the region—one for cassava processing and another for simsim.
This significant development marks a turning point for local farmers, many of whom rely on cassava and simsim cultivation as their primary source of income.
Dr. Osire, a native of Teso, expressed optimism about the potential impact, stating, “Even as we speak now, the team I am moving with has an order for one million tons of cassava flour needed for sampling. I decided this is the time for Teso farmers to rise, as cassava and simsim growing is a source of livelihood for the majority of our people. Let’s keep praying that all goes well, and this will be the beginning of prosperity for Teso.”
Dr. Osire’s team has already completed a baseline survey in Katakwi, Amuria, and Kapelebyong districts. The survey aimed to gather essential data on cassava and simsim farming, laying the groundwork for the factories' establishment. According to Dr. Osire, the findings so far have been promising, indicating that local farmers will greatly benefit from the upcoming projects.
Following the initial survey in Teso, the team has now moved on to Lango to conduct similar research. Once data collection is complete, a final report will be compiled to guide the investors in setting up the processing plants, which are expected to boost the local economy and improve farmers' livelihoods.
For Dr. Osire, this project is more than just business—it’s personal. A proud son of Teso, he has long dreamed of bringing development to his home region. “I went far to look for something for my people,” he said. “I never lost hope and always believed that, no matter how long it took, I would one day return with water for my people.”
As anticipation builds, Dr. Pascal Osire’s dedication to his roots, combined with his global network, offers a beacon of hope for Teso’s agricultural community. If successful, the cassava and simsim processing factories will create jobs, increase farmers’ incomes, and contribute to long-term prosperity for the region.
