Hand-held tractors in Lango idle amid spare parts shortage

2 July 2025, 8:43 pm

By Baker Okello

Several hand-held walking tractors distributed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) to enhance agricultural productivity in the Lango sub-region are now lying idle due to limited access to spare parts and inadequate maintenance support.

Speaking to our reporter, Mr Ojok Francis, the Amolatar District Production Officer, revealed that most of the tractors in the district are no longer operational. He urged the government to establish mini-mechanisation workshops in each district across Lango to address the persistent issue.

Ojok cautioned that the Olweny Regional Mechanisation Centre alone cannot adequately serve the entire Northern Uganda. He stressed that with district-level mechanisation units, farmers would have easier access to spare parts, and local artisans could be trained to service the machines.

In Oyam District, the District Production Officer, Mr Ogwal Cox, noted that many farmers were not trained in the operation or maintenance of the tractors. He also echoed concerns over the shortage of spare parts and called for urgent government intervention.

Meanwhile, Mr Okaka Geoffrey, the Agricultural Officer in Dokolo District, revealed that fewer than 25% of the hand-held tractors distributed in the district remain operational. He attributed the low functionality to both operational and maintenance challenges, particularly as farmers were not equipped with the necessary technical knowledge.

Okaka urged the government to ensure that essential spare parts are available at a service centre in Dokolo and to prequalify service providers who are both accessible and affordable for farmers.

The hand-held walking tractor, which can plough up to three acres of land using just three litres of diesel per day, can also be adapted for irrigation and milling when fitted with the appropriate components. However, without proper support systems in place, its full potential remains unrealised.