Local government of Amolatar district evaluates climate-smart agricultural transformation project

24 February 2026, 10:20 pm

By Sarah Ejang and Odongo Gerald

On Tuesday, February 24, 2026, the local government of Amolatar District convened a crucial review meeting at the Education Hall to assess the progress of the Climate-Smart Agricultural Transformation Project (UCSATP) within the district.

The session brought together various stakeholders, with Mr. Okello Dulson Samuel, the project’s focal point person, leading the discussions.

Mr. Okello emphasized the vital role of the review meeting in gauging farmers’ reception of the project, stating, “It is essential for us to understand the level of interest among our farmers regarding this initiative.”

He further highlighted the project’s nature as a cost-sharing venture, encouraging sub-counties to actively motivate farmers’ groups to register promptly to benefit from the available resources.

However, Mr. Okello pointed out a significant challenge: many farmers are hesitant to partake in co-funding the project, despite its potential benefits.

“We need to address the reluctance among farmers to co-fund, as their participation is critical for the success of this initiative,” he noted.2

He voiced optimism that by the project’s conclusion, most farmers would have developed a keen interest, particularly due to the pressing concerns of climate change. “I urge all farmers to seek funding for co-financing the project.

We must prevent funds from reverting to the government pool, as these resources are meant to empower our agricultural community,” urged Mr. Okello.

In a related note, Mr. Otile Patrick, District Community Development Officer , advocated for agricultural officers, extension workers, and other stakeholders to equip farmers with accurate and comprehensive information about the project. “It is crucial for them to understand that this is not a free initiative; it is a co-funding project,” Mr. Otile asserted.

As the meeting progressed, Mr. Obonyo Magwar, the Deputy Resident District Officer, expressed gratitude to the government for implementing the UCSATP and emphasized the importance of guiding farmers in selecting the most suitable crop varieties, particularly concerning the citrus project. “Farmers need to shift their mindset towards co-funding to truly maximize the benefits of such government initiatives,” he advised.

Moreover, Mr. Magwar made an impassioned appeal for support to assist farmers interested in procuring seeds. “We need to ensure that farmers do not end up with counterfeit seed varieties,” he stated emphatically.

He reiterated that the government has numerous projects aimed at improving agricultural productivity, stressing the importance of sustaining these initiatives for the benefit of individuals at all levels.

The Climate-Smart Agricultural Transformation Project is a significant undertaking in Amolatar District, which is one of 69 districts in Uganda involved in the UCSATP.

To date, the project has verified 172 groups and profiled 62 farmers’ groups, marking progress in enhancing the resilience and productivity of the agricultural sector.