The World Food Programme and the government of Uganda through the National Agricultural Advisory Services commissioned a 200-metric ton capacity satellite collection point at Iriri Sub County in Napak district. The launch of the collection point has been held as an indication of the growing food production capabilities of Karamoja’s smallholder farmers. The World Food Programme said it has managed to buy over 500 metric tons of maize from Karamoja’s smallholder farmers which it said is a step in the right direction towards the region being able to address the issue of food insecurity. The satellite collection point in Iriri joined 73 other points under a 3.6 billion shillings partnership with the Government of Uganda. It aims at first improving the post-harvest management of agricultural products to help maintain quality. Smallholder farmers in the region will also acquire training from the collection points to help promote collect marketing of their products which will lead to better returns.

While speaking at the launch of the facility in Napak, the Minister of State for Karamoja Affairs Moses Kizige revealed that establishing satellite points will help to electrify the negative image of under-development, food insecurity, hunger and even cattle rustling which Karamoja region has been associated with for decades. “This undertaking is however unique because it is a sustainable model since it empowers the locals to produce their own food and better position themselves to market the surplus and increase household earnings.” Said, Moses Kizige – State Minister for Karamoja Affairs.

The WFP Representative and Country Director El-Khidir Daloum revealed that the satellite collection center will serve as a community hub for agricultural produce, marketing and that it will serve over 1,000 farmers from 33 rural producer organizations. “I come from an agro-pastoralist community and I can tell you in the world of today, you cannot describe Karamoja as pure pastoralists because the definition of pure pastoralists does not apply to you guys. Because, now, you have explored many economic activities outside the livestock.” Said, El-Khidir Daloum – Country Director, WFP Uganda. With the establishment of the satellite collection point, over 100,000 school children, 100,000 pregnant women plus children, and 33,000 households are expected to benefit from ready access to food.