By James Alomu

SOROTI – The Iteso Cultural Union (ICU) has signed a 10-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Cajila Africa Links Institute in a major step aimed at transforming agriculture in the Teso sub-region through improved farmer training, mechanisation, research, market access, and technology adoption.

The agreement, officially sealed at the ICU headquarters in Soroti, brings together cultural leadership and a development-focused institution in a partnership designed to address long-standing challenges affecting agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods in the region.

Agriculture remains the backbone of Teso’s economy, employing the majority of households. However, the sector continues to face constraints such as low yields, limited access to mechanised farming, inadequate extension services, and weak market linkages.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, ICU Prime Minister (Ekirigi) Andrew Ocole described the partnership as a strategic milestone in efforts to rebuild and modernise the region’s agricultural sector.

“Today is a memorable day for us as an institution because we have signed an MoU with one of the biggest partners that we are going to have, especially on issues dealing with agriculture,” Ocole said.

He noted that the initiative will focus on equipping farmers with practical skills, improving access to agricultural knowledge, and guiding them on appropriate crop selection based on research and market demand.

A key component of the partnership is agricultural research and seed preservation. The ICU raised concern over the gradual loss of indigenous crop varieties, warning that this trend threatens biodiversity, cultural heritage, and long-term food security.

“We want to preserve some of the traditional crops and seeds that have defined our community over the years, even as we embrace modern agricultural practices,” Ocole added.

The programme will also emphasise market-driven production, with both partners seeking to connect farmers to reliable markets within Uganda, the East African region, and international buyers. This is expected to reduce post-harvest losses and improve household incomes.

ICU leaders observed that many farmers currently produce without clear market information, often resulting in oversupply of certain crops and poor returns.

“We want a structured agricultural sector for Teso. Farmers are often advised to grow different crops without clear market information, which has created uncertainty and losses,” Ocole said.

On his part, Dr. Cosmas Agweta, Executive Director of Cajila Africa Links Institute, said the organisation is committed to improving livelihoods through integrated agricultural and economic empowerment programmes.

“We are looking at improving the lives of people holistically, irrespective of their education level, race, or clan,” Dr. Agweta said.

He revealed that the institute has already mobilised more than 1,500 farmer groups across the region, supporting them with training in savings, internal lending schemes, small enterprise development, and commercial agriculture.

Dr. Agweta stressed that production alone is not sufficient without strong market systems.

“If you produce without a market then we are literally doing nothing,” he said.

The institute is also advancing modern farming solutions including solar-powered irrigation systems, weather forecasting tools, and digital agricultural advisory platforms aimed at improving decision-making at farm level.

In addition, Cajila Africa has established partnerships that are facilitating mechanisation services, with seven tractors currently deployed to support farmers with affordable land preparation.

“A garden ploughed using a tractor and one cultivated by hand cannot produce the same results. Mechanisation will help our farmers increase production and compete effectively in the market,” Dr. Agweta said.

He further disclosed that an international buyer is currently seeking 125 metric tonnes of soya beans from the region, highlighting growing opportunities for organised commercial agriculture in Teso.

The 10-year partnership is expected to strengthen cooperative development, agricultural research, mechanisation, value addition, and sustainable farming systems across the sub-region.

Both institutions expressed optimism that the agreement will significantly boost productivity, improve household incomes, and enhance food security.

At the end of the decade-long collaboration, the partners hope to evaluate measurable improvements in agricultural output and livelihoods across Teso.

“We believe that after 10 years, we should be able to assess how far we have gone in improving the lives of our people,” Ocole said.