By KT Reporter
The Local Economic Growth Support Project (LEGS) has restored hope and improved livelihoods for Ongogonja farmers in Katakwi District, with members’ cooperative accounts now holding approximately Shillings 200 million.
Over the past two years, the LEGS project has provided UGX 100 million to the Ongogonja Fruit Growers Cooperative Society Limited at an interest rate of 8 percent. The funds have benefitted 690 members and 30,120 outgrowers, including 390 females, 300 males, five people with disabilities, and 94 youth aspiring to be model farmers in the Teso sub-region.
The cooperative has seen significant socio-economic development, with profits supporting education, healthcare, housing, and general welfare for its members. Gabriel Engole, chairperson of Ongogonja Fruit Growers Cooperative, said the cooperative’s progress was boosted by the UGX 100 million working capital from LEGS, which improved commercial activities such as buying and selling produce and expanded production.
The cooperative also constructed a farmers’ produce bulking store costing UGX 317,714,480 and acquired a heavy-duty tractor for UGX 174,500,000, increasing production across 1,200 acres and resulting in cumulative sales of 252.2 tons. Engole revealed that they receive weekly orders of rice worth UGX 50 million and 26 tons of red sorghum, contributing to the cooperative’s transformation.
Lydia Atim, the cooperative treasurer, stated that the cooperative’s growth began after receiving the LEGS working capital and now has roughly UGX 200 million in its account. She urged the government to provide subsidized funds to help the cooperative transition into a union for the Teso sub-region.
Harriet Atim, Acting Deputy Chief Administrative Officer and LEGS focal person, said the farmer field school group, which began with 30 members during the NAADS program, has now expanded significantly, with the district witnessing improved school enrollment and revenue from the Abarata daily market.
Minister Raphael Magezi, Minister for Local Government, monitored the project, which ends on December 31, 2025. He commended its accomplishments and recommended additional working capital of UGX 600 million to boost the cooperative. He also advised providing transportation, such as a lorry, to facilitate produce movement, and transforming the bulking center into a district learning hub.
Magezi suggested upgrades to the storage facility, including solar power installation, water systems, market improvements, and better road access. He also revealed plans to establish an international research and training center in Ongogonja to combat climate change, improve crops, and provide farmer training. The LEGS project is part of Uganda’s broader local economic development policy, implemented by the Ministry of Local Government with support from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and the Lives and Livelihoods Fund (LLF).
It contributes to Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 1 (no poverty), SDG 2 (zero hunger), SDG 6 (clean water and sanitation), and SDG 7 (affordable and clean energy), focusing on agricultural productivity and access to rural finance. The five-year project, implemented by the Microfinance Support Centre, has provided Katakwi District with about UGX 6,085,961,867 in funding since 2019, supporting multiple initiatives that have been completed.
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