Uganda, Itracom Fertilizers Seal Deal for Eco-Friendly Fertiliser Plant in Mpigi

Uganda has taken a major step towards transforming its agriculture sector after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Itracom Fertilizers for the construction of a fertiliser production plant in Kampiringisa, Mpigi district.

The government has provided 130 acres of land for the project, which will see the production of organo-mineral fertilisers tailored to boost crop yields, lower farming costs, and strengthen food security.

Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, who brokered the deal, revealed the scale of the project.

“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.

Nabbanja also urged the investors to speed up construction, pointing to Uganda’s ready labour force and established regional markets.

Itracom Fertilizers, headquartered in Bujumbura, Burundi, already distributes its products to countries including Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

For Uganda, the company plans to roll out three fertiliser types: Fomi Otesha for planting, Fomi Kuzia for cereals and vegetables like maize, beans, and tomatoes, and Fomi Nenepesha for root and tuber crops such as cassava and potatoes.

Jean-Luc Bigirimana, Itracom’s Country Director for Uganda, stressed the eco-friendly foundation of the firm’s 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 fertiliser is made from cow dung, potassium, and phosphorus, and has been certified safe for all crop types.

Affordability and accessibility, Bigirimana added, are at the centre of the company’s vision.

“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 guarantee supply, the company will source cow dung from Karamoja, where livestock keepers will be paid directly for deliveries.

Gen. David Kasura Kyomukama, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), said the project would relieve farmers of high input costs.

“This development will enable our farmers to access fertilisers at affordable rates, leading to improved productivity and increased household incomes,” he noted.

Kasura underlined the broader context, stressing the role of organo-mineral fertilisers in combating the effects of 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 partnership, government will extend infrastructure support, including access roads, electricity, and security to enable smooth operations at the plant.

Officials believe the facility will not only transform Uganda’s agriculture but also position the country as a hub for environmentally friendly fertiliser production in East and Central Africa.