Uganda’s agricultural transformation journey took a significant leap forward with the official launch of two state-of-the-art One Stop Center Associations (OSCAs) in Abim and Otuke districts in March 2025. The newly established hubs, Abim West Farmers’ Cooperative and Otuke Town Council Farmers’ Savings and Credit Cooperative, are part of a broader initiative supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan, and implemented by SAA in Uganda. Constructed at a cost exceeding UGX 1.9 billion, the facilities are poised to benefit over 50,000 smallholder farmers by providing them with integrated services critical to improving productivity, profitability, and resilience.

The commissioning ceremony, held at the Abim West Farmers’ Cooperative site, was presided over by Hon. Dr. Peter Teko Lokeris, Minister for Karamoja Affairs, and attended by key stakeholders from local government, farmer cooperatives, and the development community.

Hon. Dr. Peter Teko Lokeris, Minister for Karamoja Affairs, delivering his speech as Guest of Honor during the launch ceremony.

These centers are designed as agro-investment hubs that address the full agricultural value chain, from production to market access. Each hub is equipped with a grain bulking store, milling units, an input shop, irrigation equipment, modern sanitation facilities, and administrative offices. The centers also host training facilities where farmers can receive continuous technical support in climate-smart agriculture, value addition, and business development.

“This is a holistic project. Imagine everything you need from the garden to the market, all available in one place. If there is no rain, the irrigation system steps in,” remarked Minister Lokeris. He praised the project’s potential to alleviate poverty and enhance food security in Karamoja and called for the extension of similar support to other underserved districts like Nakapiripirit.

Mr. Robert Anyang, Country Director of SAA Uganda, emphasized the strategic importance of these hubs. “Through these OSCAs, our goal is to transition farmers from subsistence to fully commercial agriculture by bringing services closer to them. With access to quality inputs, mechanization, storage, and market linkages, farmers can increase income, reduce post-harvest losses, and build climate resilience,” he explained. He added that Abim’s facility alone is projected to serve over 50,000 farmers, unlocking access to knowledge, tools, and market information. “

Mr. Robert Anyang, Country Director, making remarks during the launch ceremony.

According to Mr. Ande Okiror, Program Coordinator at SAA, the initiative is deeply rooted in the Public Private Community Partnership (PPCP) model. “By strengthening multi-purpose agricultural cooperatives, we are creating platforms for inclusive growth where smallholder farmers take center stage in their own transformation,” he said.

 Mr. Jimmy Owiny Opio, District Commercial Officer of Agago, urged cooperative leaders to uphold transparency and accountability. “This investment should not be mismanaged. Let it mark the beginning of a greater agricultural revolution in our region,” he urged.

Rev. Julius Abura, Chairperson of the Abim West Farmers’ Cooperative, shared the cooperative’s growth story from just a handful of members in 2019 to 3,621 today, with aspirations to reach 10,000 members. He emphasized their focus on maize and cassava production and welcomed the new infrastructure as a game-changer for local farmers.

Rev. Julius Abura, Chairperson of Abim West Farmers’ Cooperative, delivering remarks alongside his team during the launch ceremony.

LCIII Chairperson of Orwamuge, Mr. Denis Odong, recalled past challenges where farmers suffered due to lack of proper storage and market access. “In 2020, we bulked tonnes of maize but lost it all due to poor storage. This investment changes everything. Farmers are now motivated to grow commercially, knowing that there are systems in place to protect and support their harvests,” he said.

As SAA, we remain committed to strengthening agricultural value chains and supporting the Government of Uganda’s development priorities. Through strategic partnerships, such as the one with Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, we continue to scale innovations that place smallholder farmers at the forefront of sustainable agricultural transformation.

Mr. Omara Payesu speaking during the exhibition of maize flour milled at the OSCA, as he showcases the product to the Guest of Honor during the launch.