Uganda moves to cut organic fertiliser gap with sh641b factory

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In a significant step towards transforming Uganda’s agricultural sector, Itracom Fertilisers Uganda SMC Ltd has signed an agreement to establish a state-of-the-art organic fertiliser factory in Kampiringisa.

With an investment of US$180 million (about sh641.8b), Itracom Fertiliser Uganda plans to produce 250,000 metric tonnes of organic fertiliser annually, using cow dung and additional minerals. Construction of the project is expected to be completed within 18 months.

According to a press statement issued by the Ministry of Agriculture’s public relations manager, Charlotte B. Kemigyisha, the initiative, backed by a directive from President Yoweri Museveni, aligns with the nation’s vision to enhance agricultural productivity through sustainable practices.

The signing ceremony, attended by representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (MOFPED), the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development (MEMD), and the Ministry of Water and Environment (MOWE), was witnessed by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja and marked a pivotal milestone in Uganda’s agricultural development.

The permanent secretary of MAAIF, Maj. Gen. David Kasura-Kyomukama emphasised the critical needs of Uganda’s agricultural sector, including improved soil fertility, irrigation to de-risk agriculture, mechanisation, appropriate genetics for seeds and livestock, and a mindset shift through awareness creation.

He said the establishment of the factory directly addresses the non-negotiable need for quality fertiliser inputs to boost agricultural productivity.

The President’s directive underscored the strategic importance of the project, noting Itracom’s successful operations of similar factories in Burundi (350,000 MT capacity) and Tanzania (1 million MT capacity).

According to Kemigyisha, MAAIF has been tasked with preparing a cabinet paper to formalise the initiative and organise farmers in the cattle corridor to supply cow dung, while MEMD will provide the necessary amenities to support the factory’s operations.

Adrian Ntigacika from Itracom Fertilisers Uganda SMC Ltd described the signing as a milestone and a testament to the shared commitment to advancing agriculture in Uganda.

Nabbanja commended President Museveni for his visionary leadership, which she said birthed this remarkable milestone through collaborative efforts with the Burundi Government and the ministries and departments that have worked together and continue to do so to ensure the successful rollout of organic fertilisers.

“This partnership reflects a mutual interest in fostering sustainable agricultural growth, ensuring food security, and creating economic opportunities for Ugandan farmers. The Itracom Fertiliser factory is poised to become a cornerstone of Uganda’s agricultural transformation, delivering high-quality organic fertiliser to enhance soil fertility and support farmers nationwide,” Nabbanja said.