Investor says seeking over 25,000 acres in Karamoja for massive food production

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A team of agribusiness investors say they want to establish massive food cultivation sites in Karamoja, an initiative that could create a significant milestone in the future of the region's efforts to achieve immense food production in Moroto district.

According to the investors, the land will be used to grow oil crops, wheat, maize, rice, beans, peas and vegetables, among others, on a large scale.

Naveed Tariq, chief investment officer at the East African Carbon Company (EACC), said on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, during a meeting held at the district chamber hall, that their mission was to seek collaboration with the district local government to lease at least 10,000 hectares [25,000 acres] of land from the community to embark on agribusiness.

“We have chosen Moroto district to pilot our agricultural initiative,” he noted, adding that investment will ensure a deliberate move to reinforce the food production in Karamoja.

Naveed Tariq, the chief investment officer East African carbon company shares with Ag. Moroto RDC Justine Tuko at the Moroto district headquarters on November 12, 2025. (Photo by Olandason Wanyama)

Tariq added that the scheme will create employment for millions, boost food production across the region and also provide access to the expanding global markets.

He described the investment as a significant game-changer that will serve as a springboard towards rural development.

Tariq also disclosed that a comprehensive feasibility study will be conducted by EACC in the next 6-12 months to analyse soils at a suitable site for development.

He further expressed the EACC's commitment to ensuring food security, citing Karamoja’s food potential and a huge climate investment in the country.

“I want to be clear that we are hiring the land from the owners,” Tariq said, adding that a percentage of cash and food will be given to the owners on the terms agreed upon.

He was optimistic that the programme would roll out to other local governments in the future.

RDC speaks

The acting Moroto Resident District Commissioner, Justine Tuko, highlighted the Government's interest in investment, emphasising that Karamoja is rated as the most promising asset to the country.

“The investment will enhance food security and a strong partnership between the company and the people,” he said, adding that with the continued support from the Government, the investors should work confidently.

Tuko reaffirmed the Government's eagerness to provide security to the investors, adding that arable land and natural resources are suitable for large-scale agriculture.

“Karamoja is very peaceful, having addressed the security challenges in the past years,” he observed, urging the locals to use the prevailing stability to develop the sub-region’s food security.

What leaders said

Rupa sub-county chairperson Joseph Otita asked the investors to ensure an everlasting partnership that will cause change in the region.

He said the investment will enhance employment or job creation in Karamoja, where employability remains a challenge.

Moroto district-based Lotisan sub-county chairperson Robert Akiki Adupa said the investment was timely, given the challenges of climate change.

He urged the investors to be transparent in their dealings with the community land, saying it belongs to the people.

“We have solidly agreed that we provide land for investment,” Adupa said.

Background

EACC is a Ugandan enterprise supporting communities through sustainable agriculture and land restoration.

The focus areas are crop production, agroforestry and rangeland management.