Over 300 oil feeder pipeline-affected farmers to benefit from rice, millet growing project

HOIMA - Over 300 farmers who were affected by the kingfisher oil feeder pipeline in the districts of Hoima and Kikuube are to benefit from an innovative livelihood restoration programme, according to information reaching New Vision Online.

The programme promoting agricultural initiatives, including rice and millet cultivation, piggery and tree planting, is supported by China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) to foster social and economic transformation in the communities.

CNOOC operates the Kingfisher Oil Field in Buhuka parish, Kyangwali sub-county in Kikuube district, located along the shores of Lake Albert.

Under this programme, 394 farmers have shown interest in rice and millet production, while 479 pig piggery rearing.

The programme, which is being implemented by Hoima Caritas development organisation with technical support from FAO-Uganda South to South Co-operation started in March 2025.

Transforming livelihoods and households

According to CNOOC vice-president Ma Peixin, the 394 farmers have been trained, and 80 farmers are already actively cultivating rice and millet in areas of Kyangwali and Kabwoya sub-county in Kikuube district and Kabaale sub-county in Hoima district, where the feeder pipeline is passing through.

He noted that the beneficiary farmers were supported with high yield WDR-73 Rice variety seeds and Foxtail Millet seeds, fertilisers and Agronomic techniques.  

“The projected harvest indicates that rice will yield between 2.5 and three tonnes per acre, while millet can produce between 1.5 and two tonnes per acre” Ma said, underscoring the programme’s potential to transform household food security and incomes.

He added that under this program one demonstration garden of one and a half acres of Rice was established in Buhuka parish, while another one-acre of millet demonstration garden was established in Kaseeta parish in Kabwoya sub-county.

He noted that it was the first time to grow Rice in Buhuka along the shores of Lake Albert, and it has been proven that the area is suitable for rice production, adding they are planning to move from a demo garden to large-scale Rice production.

CNOOC vice president Ma Peixin (R), Peter Muyimbo (L) agriculture ministry officer, and Peter Banura, the Kikuube district Chairperson harvesting Rice at CNOOC'S Demo garden. (Credit: Peter Abaanabasazi)

“This first harvest demonstrates the impact that can be achieved when communities are given the right training and resources.

 CNOOC Uganda is committed to a holistic approach of green ecology oilfield development, ensuring that while we develop Uganda’s oil resource, we also strengthen local livelihood and create sustainable benefits for community,” Ma said during the commissioning for harvesting of the rice at a demo garden in Buhuka on Tuesday, October 6, 2025.

Sustainable initiative

Kikuube district chairperson Peter Banura hailed CNOOC for introducing such rice and millet variety in the area, adding that this initiative is going to increase food production in the district.

Banura noted that the initiative has demonstrated that Buhuka land can support agriculture, adding that the programme is going to help fishermen who have been depending on fishing to diversify their household income through farming.

He noted that the project has come at the right time when fishermen are struggling to sustain their families due to government regulation and reduced fish stocks in Lake Albert, and urged the community to embrace the programs.

“If the fishing community gets trained, supported and encouraged for farming, they will be able to have food and income for their households”

Peter Muyimbo, an officer from the agriculture ministry, said he was optimistic that the programmes will transform agriculture into commercial ventures.

He noted that the programme will also contribute to the ministry’s effort in improving the production and productivity of cereal crops such as millet, sorghum and Rice.