GOVERNMENT support for growing palm oil has changed how people live and helped the economy in Kalangala District. Farmers say they now have more money, better roads, and easier access to markets.
Image/Explorer
This program, part of the Vegetable Oil Development Project, was started to help island communities move from relying mainly on fishing to growing crops for sale.
The government has given farmers good quality seedlings, training, and loans to help them grow palm oil.
They also have a company called Oil Palm Uganda Limited that buys their palm oil, making sure they can sell their harvest without losing money.
Minister Frank Tumwebaze, who is in charge of agriculture, said the government chose to invest in palm oil to help communities in hard-to-reach areas.
He said the goal is to give farmers the tools, knowledge, and market connections they need to make a living in a lasting way.
Beyond farming, the project has led to big improvements in Kalangala.
New roads, ferry services, electricity, and better schools and hospitals have been built.
John Kizito, a farmer, said before there were no roads or ferries in the area.
He said, “Because of the government’s help, we can now bring our crops to market and access services.
Palm oil has changed our lives completely.”
The government programs let local farmers grow palm oil while keeping their land.
This helps share the benefits of the project with more people.
Willy Lugoloobi, who works in Kalangala, said the project has created thousands of jobs in planting, harvesting, processing, and transport.
This has helped the local economy and brought in more investment.
He said, “The palm oil project isn’t just about farming; it’s about opening up Kalangala.”
Lugoloobi added, “Government support has set the stage for long-term growth in the district.”
As Uganda works to make farming more profitable, leaders say the Kalangala palm oil model shows how focused government help can lead to better growth and change in rural areas.