Govt community roads initiative boosts market access for oilseed farmers in 81 districts

Government has embarked on a major infrastructure drive to boost agricultural productivity and rural connectivity through the rehabilitation and construction of Community Access Roads (CARs) under the National Oilseeds Project (NOSP).

The initiative, currently underway in 81 districts, targets over 2,500 kilometers of rural road networks to improve access to markets and services for more than 120,000 smallholder farmers engaged in oilseed production, including sunflower, soybean, sesame, and groundnuts.

The \$129.56 million project is being implemented by the Ministry of Local Government (MoLG) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), with funding support from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID), and direct contributions from project beneficiaries.

As of June 30, 2025, more than 1,034 kilometers of roads are under active construction, with physical progress of "Batch A" roads—comprising 82 lots—reaching 82%. The first set of completed roads is expected by August 2025.

The CARs initiative falls under Component 2 of the NOSP and is central to improving linkages between farmers and the country’s 113 private oilseed mills. By improving transportation networks, the project aims to raise mill utilisation from the current 45% to 85%, potentially saving the country UGX 1 trillion annually in edible oil import costs.

One of the flagship projects is the rehabilitation of the 8.5-kilometer Apple–Osudo–Apapai road in Kalaki District, connecting Apapai and Kakure sub-counties.

Other districts like Bukwo and Koboko are also witnessing construction of key feeder roads and pedestrian bridges to overcome seasonal barriers and reduce travel times to markets and schools.

At the official launch held on June 25, 2025, in Otuke District, Vice President Jessica Alupo, represented by Woman MP Susan Abeja, hailed the initiative as a critical step in unlocking economic potential in rural Uganda.

“With all these investments in infrastructure, we are not just securing the future, we are now racing into it a future where more opportunities exist for youth, farmers, and entrepreneurs,” she said.

Minister of Local Government Raphael Magezi underscored the ministry’s commitment to wealth creation through rural infrastructure.

“The mission is to contribute to employment and a conducive environment for doing business,” he noted during the launch of a 16.9-kilometer road connecting Ogor to Atat village in Otuke.

Commissioner for Local Economic Development Anthony Namara, representing MoLG Permanent Secretary Ben Kumumanya, said the roads align with the government’s broader development priorities under the Parish Development Model specifically Pillar 1 on Production and Marketing, and Pillar 2 on Infrastructure and Economic Services.

The project also employs a labor-based construction model, creating jobs for local youth and women, and involves communities in supervision through Parish Development Committees (PDCs) to ensure quality and sustainability.

Farmers like Awor Sophia from Otudu parish in Otuke and Wani Benon from Koboko district expressed optimism about the impact of the roads on business and daily life.

“This road will help us in business and in other ways,” said Awor. “Once this bridge is complete, we’ll transport our produce to markets more easily,” added Wani.

Project Coordinator Hajji Yasin Ssendaula said the roads are more than infrastructure.

“They are pathways to better lives and economic development. They’re connecting people to markets, services, and a future filled with opportunity.”