The outgoing Soroti City Mayor, Mr. Joshua Edogu, has called on civil society organizations (CSOs) operating in the Teso sub-region to deliberately empower smallholder farmers as a strategic pathway to transforming household incomes and accelerating Uganda’s economic growth.
The mayor made the remarks during the official roll out of the Ateker Development Foundation Multi-Actor Partnership phase 2 (ADEFO–MAP2) project in Soroti City. The launch signals renewed hope for farmers in Soroti city, where 600 smallholder farmers are expected to directly benefit from interventions targeting improved production, value addition and access to reliable markets.
Addressing stakeholders, farmers and development partners, Mayor Edogu lauded Soroti Catholic Diocese Integrated Development Organization (SOCADIDO), the lead implementing partner, for returning with the second phase of the project under a broad-based partnership.
“I laud SOCADIDO for this new development. They are coming with another phase through a partnership with their friends, and the idea is to deal with small-scale farmers, from production to consumption,” Edogu said.
He emphasized that between production and consumption lie numerous commercial opportunities that, if properly harnessed, can significantly uplift household incomes and strengthen the national economy.
“When you look at Uganda as a country, and Teso in particular, you discover that the majority of our people are involved in small-scale farming. This is their livelihood and source of income,” he noted.
The mayor stressed that agricultural activities must translate into tangible improvements in people’s lives. He urged families to make prudent and productive use of farm incomes to ensure long-term social and economic transformation. He further underscored the importance of access to accurate and practical information for farmers, arguing that knowledge is central to the success of any agricultural intervention.
Mayor Edogu pledged Soroti City administration’s full support to the ADEFO–MAP2 initiative, particularly in mobilizing communities and raising awareness to ensure maximum impact. Highlighting the limitations of formal employment, Edogu noted that Uganda’s public service absorbs less than 500,000 people, leaving the majority of people to depend on self-driven economic activities such as farming.
According to Ben Boham Okiror, the Coordinator, the ADEFO–MAP2 project runs from November 1st 2025 to October 31st 2029, with a total budget of UGX 4.116 billion. The project is funded by Sign of Hope and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
Across Teso sub-region, ADEFO–MAP2 will directly support 3,600 smallholder farmers in Kaberamaido, Kapelebyong, Katakwi, Ngora and Soroti districts, and Soroti city. 60 percent of the farmers will be women, and indirectly, the project will reach at least 64,800 people.
Rev. Fr. Michael Omaria, the Diocesan Development Coordinator, reiterated that the strength of ADEFO–MAP2 lies in partnership, noting that the project aligns with Sustainable Development Goal #17 on building strong partnerships for sustainable development. He urged farmers to embrace change of mindset, as this will lead to success in the near future.