The Government of Uganda has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Itracom Fertilizers to promote sustainable agriculture and improve food security through local fertiliser production.
Under the agreement, 130 acres of land in Kampiringisa, Mpigi district, have been allocated for the construction of a fertiliser production facility. Once operational, the plant is expected to significantly lower fertiliser costs, making them more accessible to farmers across the country.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, who facilitated the agreement, underscored its regional impact. “These investors have assured me that they will produce at least 240,000 tonnes of fertiliser monthly, not only for our farmers but also for export to neighbouring countries such as the DRC and Central African Republic,” she said. She called on the company to fast-track the project, citing the availability of both local labour and a ready market.
Itracom Fertilizers, based in Bujumbura, Burundi, already supplies organo-mineral fertilisers to Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi, Zambia, Malawi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The firm plans to introduce three varieties in Uganda: Fomi Otesha, used at planting; Fomi Kuzia, for cereals like maize, beans, and tomatoes; and Fomi Nenepesha, designed for root and tuber crops such as cassava and potatoes.
Jean-Luc Bigirimana, Itracom’s Country Director for Uganda, highlighted the eco-friendly nature of their products.
“The world no longer needs more chemicals in the food we consume. We’ve seen the effects. That’s why we developed a natural fertiliser solution,” he said. The fertilisers, made from natural ingredients including cow dung, potassium, and phosphorus, are certified safe for the environment and proven to increase yields.
Bigirimana added that affordability remains a priority. “We face persistent food insecurity in the region, largely due to poor harvests. This fertiliser can change that. We want every farmer to have access to it to ensure food security for all,” he said.
To meet raw material demand, Itracom plans to source cow dung from Karamoja, where livestock owners will be paid upon delivery.
At the MoU signing in Kampala, Gen. David Kasura Kyomukama, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), emphasised the wider benefits.
“This development will enable our farmers to access fertilisers at affordable rates, leading to improved productivity and increased household incomes,” he noted.
Kasura stressed that organo-mineral fertilisers are vital for revitalising soils weakened by climate change.
“Modern agriculture requires the enhancement of soil fertility, improved water supply through irrigation, the use of quality seeds, and farmer training on proper input application,” he said.
As part of the public-private partnership, the government will provide enabling infrastructure such as access roads, electricity, and security for the plant. Officials say the initiative marks a major stride in agricultural transformation, positioning Uganda as a hub for eco-friendly fertiliser production in the region.