STAR project supports agribusiness development in northern Uganda

28 October 2026, 8:28 pm

By Geoffrey Okwong

The STAR project, implemented by World Vision Uganda, is supporting agribusiness development and efforts to improve livelihoods among communities in northern and northeastern Uganda through business training, market linkages and support to local enterprises.

The project was highlighted on October 23, 2026, when officials from World Vision Uganda and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) visited Blessed Organic’s factory in Oyutu Cell, Luna Parish, Pader Town Council, to learn about the organisation’s progress and the impact of the support it has received.

Wilfred Okot, the STAR project coordinator at World Vision Uganda, said the initiative seeks to strengthen agribusiness resilience and improve the livelihoods of communities by supporting businesses and producer groups to improve their operations and access markets.

The support includes strengthening business capacity, improving production practices and creating opportunities for enterprises to connect with buyers.

In Pader District, Blessed Organic is among the enterprises involved in shea nut collection and processing, working with local communities to improve the handling and value addition of shea nuts.

The organisation has supported groups such as Yaa Ber Group in Agago District with training in proper shea nut collection, drying and preservation, helping members reduce post-harvest losses and earn income from their produce.

Members of Yaa Ber Group have also received training in agricultural practices, food preservation, liquid soap-making and liquid fertiliser production, enabling them to explore additional ways of improving household incomes and food security.

Joachim Okot, the manager of Blessed Organic, said the organisation had benefited from training in business costing and pricing, organic certification, packaging and labelling.

He said such support had helped the enterprise improve its products and strengthen its competitiveness as it seeks to reach more markets.

Margaret Laloyo, the director of Blessed Organic, said the organisation had also benefited from support to improve branding and its online presence, alongside opportunities to showcase its products to potential buyers in international markets.

The organisation has been pursuing certification and developing buyer connections as part of its efforts to expand its market reach.

The visit provided an opportunity for the project partners to hear about the enterprise’s progress and the experiences of the communities benefiting from its activities.

The experiences shared by Blessed Organic and Yaa Ber Group demonstrate how business development support, skills training and market access can contribute to improving the performance of local enterprises while creating income-generating opportunities for rural households.