FERTILISER BOOST! Govt Hands ITRACOM Multibillion Deal To Distribute 173,913 Fertiliser Bags To Coffee, Tea & Cocoa Farmers

KAMPALA — Government has handed ITRACOM Fertilizers Uganda the task of distributing a massive consignment of 173,913 bags of fertiliser to targeted farmers under a new intervention aimed at restoring Uganda’s declining soil fertility and boosting agricultural productivity.

The distribution programme was officially launched on Monday, August 31, 2026, at the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) headquarters in Entebbe.

The intervention is being implemented under a Presidential Directive targeting farmers involved in strategic and high-value agricultural enterprises, particularly coffee, tea and cocoa.

Under the programme, MAAIF has procured the 173,913 bags of fertiliser from ITRACOM Fertilizers Uganda for distribution to selected farmers and farmer groups.

Launching the programme, Agriculture Minister Frank Tumwebaze said the intervention is part of Government’s wider efforts to transform agriculture by increasing productivity, promoting evidence-based farming and improving farmers’ access to critical inputs.

Tumwebaze urged farmers to embrace precision agriculture, stressing the importance of soil testing before applying fertiliser.

“We are entering a new era of farming where decisions must be guided by evidence. Farmers need to apply the right input, in the right quantity and at the right time if we are to achieve higher productivity and better incomes,” Tumwebaze said.

The Minister also called for continued prioritisation of smallholder farmers, saying Government interventions should reach those who need support most.

MAAIF Permanent Secretary Maj. Gen. David Kasura-Kyomukama said the programme seeks to address Uganda’s persistently low fertiliser use and declining soil fertility, which he said continue to undermine agricultural productivity.

Uganda’s fertiliser consumption currently stands at only about 2–3 kilogrammes per hectare, compared to the continental average of 22 kilogrammes and the Abuja target of 50 kilogrammes per hectare.

Kasura-Kyomukama said the fertiliser distribution was therefore not merely a ceremonial exercise but a practical intervention intended to improve the productivity of farmers and enable them to participate more effectively in the money economy.

“This launch is not merely ceremonial. It is a practical intervention to restore soil fertility, increase productivity and enable our farmers to participate more fully in the money economy,” he said.

He said MAAIF was establishing a distribution system based on speed, proximity and accountability, with fertiliser expected to reach farmers closer to their communities while measures are put in place to prevent diversion.

“There will be no fees, no charges and no diversion. These fertilisers are a Government intervention and must reach the farmers for whom they are intended,” Kasura-Kyomukama warned.

State Minister for Agriculture Desire Muhooza welcomed the programme, saying it demonstrates Government’s continued commitment to supporting farmers involved in strategic agricultural value chains.

She said the initial consignment would benefit farmers and farmer groups engaged in coffee, tea, cocoa and other strategic agricultural enterprises, with eligible beneficiaries receiving the fertiliser free of charge.

“This is an important day for our farmers. We are grateful to His Excellency the President for supporting this intervention and ensuring that farmers in strategic agricultural value chains can access these critical inputs,” Muhooza said.

She urged beneficiaries to use the fertiliser appropriately and work with agricultural extension workers to ensure maximum benefits.

The launch brought together senior MAAIF officials, Government institutions, local government representatives and agricultural stakeholders, highlighting the coordinated approach being taken to implement the intervention.

Representing ITRACOM Fertilizers Uganda, Mr. Bigirimana pledged the company’s commitment to ensuring timely delivery of the fertiliser to designated districts.

He said the company would not only supply the fertiliser but also support farmers with knowledge on proper application.

“Our commitment is clear: we will ensure that the fertiliser reaches the designated districts as guided by the Ministry, while providing the necessary knowledge and support to enable farmers to achieve optimal results,” Bigirimana said.

He commended Government for creating an enabling environment for local fertiliser production and appreciated the support of the President, MAAIF, Ministry of Finance, Operation Wealth Creation and other Government agencies.

To prevent abuse of the programme, MAAIF said it has put in place measures including verified beneficiary lists, proper documentation, secure delivery points, immediate distribution and reporting at district and parish levels.

The fertiliser will also be clearly marked “Government of Uganda – Not for Sale”, with beneficiaries warned that they will not be required to pay for it.

The Ministry will conduct follow-up assessments to establish how the fertiliser is being used, its impact on crop productivity and challenges encountered by farmers.

The findings will be used to inform future agricultural input-support programmes.

Government says the intervention is expected to contribute to the restoration of soil fertility, increased agricultural productivity, improved household incomes and stronger food and nutrition security.

Kasura-Kyomukama said the ultimate test of the programme would not be the launch itself but its impact on farmers.

“When Government invests in agriculture, the ultimate measure of success must be what happens in the farmer’s garden, on the farm and in the household,” he said.