Uganda rolls out maize seed program to support farmers
Thousands of farmers in northern Uganda will receive maize seed to improve food supply and incomes.
UGANDA – Uganda’s Oyam district has rolled out a maize seed program to support farmers this planting season, targeting better food supply and higher household incomes.
The initiative, led by the Machapala Group and the Janae Acilo Foundation, started on Tuesday this week. Organizers plan to distribute 20,000 replantable tonnes of maize seed to farmers across all sub-counties in the district.
The program focuses on smallholder farmers who often struggle to access quality inputs. By supplying replantable seed, the partners want farmers to increase yields while also saving seed for future seasons.
Jane Acilo Frances, founder of the Janae Acilo Foundation, said the effort targets long-term impact at the household level.
“Agriculture remains the backbone of our communities,” she said. “By providing farmers with replantable maize seed, we are not only supporting food production but also allowing families to build sustainable income from their land.”
Acilo stressed that better access to farm inputs can change rural livelihoods. She said farmers who receive the right support can meet basic needs and invest in their future.
“When farmers have the right inputs and knowledge, they can support their families, educate their children, and contribute to community development,” she said.
She also noted that the program encourages better farming practices. Organizers will work with farmers to improve planting methods and crop management, which can help increase output over time.
Local leaders welcomed the move and said many farmers in Oyam face challenges in accessing certified seed. They expect the distribution to reach thousands of households and support the upcoming planting season.
The initiative reflects a wider effort by private groups and community actors to invest in agriculture in northern Uganda. Stakeholders see farming as a key path to stable incomes and stronger local economies.
Recent efforts in the region have also focused on improving farmer training and linking producers to markets. These steps aim to ensure farmers not only grow more food but also earn more from their harvests.
Organizers said partnerships like this will remain important in addressing food needs and supporting rural communities. They added that continued support for farmers will help build more stable food systems in the region.
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