Oyam Art Teacher Obong Tom Becomes Agribusiness Model, Appeals for Government Support.

Obong Tom, an art teacher at Loro Secondary School in Oyam district, Lango sub-region, has demonstrated remarkable vision and entrepreneurial spirit, transforming himself into a thriving model farmer.

As the Director of Nile Integrated Farmers Centre located in Amukugungu village, Western ward, Kamdini town council, Mr. Obong has achieved significant financial breakthroughs in fish and coffee farming, and is now appealing to the government for crucial financial assistance, subsidies, and market linkages to further expand his successful ventures.

Mr. Obong’s journey defies the conventional narrative, as he has broken records among art teachers in Uganda by generating millions of shillings from his personal agricultural projects.

This success has enabled him to secure the education of his two children, with one now a lawyer and another a scientist awaiting government employment.

A Diversified Agricultural Empire

Mr. Obong outlined his extensive farming operations in a recent interview:

Fish Farming: His venture into fish farming commenced in 2004 with just two large fish ponds and one breeding pond, all situated on a four-hectare piece of land.

He initially stocked Tilapia, which have since reproduced to over 10,000 fish. More recently, he received 1,300 Catfish from the Oyam District local government, which are harvested once a year.

This aquatic enterprise forms a significant pillar of his income.

Coffee Cultivation: Parallel to his fish ponds, Mr. Obong cultivates coffee on two hectares.

A 100-kilogram sack of his coffee, presumably Robusta, commands a price of UGX 750,000.

Last year, he realized a total of UGX 2.5 million from selling his coffee products in local markets, including Gulu city.

He anticipates another bountiful harvest between October and December 2025.

Other Integrated Ventures: Mr. Obong’s farm is a testament to integrated agriculture. He also engages in:

Beekeeping: With at least 25 beehives.
Poultry Keeping: Maintaining 150 parent stock of local chicken breeds.

Banana Garden: Featuring 50 plants of Matoke and Bogoya banana species.

Livestock: A small herd of goats, cattle, and sheep grazing along the swamp.
Challenges and Government Appeal

Despite his notable progress, Mr. Obong identifies drought as the most significant challenge to his farming operations.

He recently acquired small-scale irrigation equipment through the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), where the government subsidized 75% of the cost, with Mr. Obong contributing the remaining 25%.

Looking ahead, Mr. Obong has several observations and appeals for the government:

Subsidies: He urges the government to implement subsidies to improve the quality of his enterprises, as he envisions his farm growing into a vital learning and demonstration center for other farmers.

Skills Training: He calls for more skills training to sustain and enhance such agricultural projects.

Financial Assistance: He specifically requests “seed funds” or financial assistance to further boost his fish farming and coffee growing projects.

Market Linkages: Crucially, he appeals for government support in tapping into broader markets for his fish, coffee, and other agricultural products.

Mr. Obong Tom, who also serves as the Oyam District coordinator for the Patriotism Club, stands as a pioneering figure – often referred to as the first model fish and coffee farmer in Oyam South County.

His remarkable journey, beginning in his early 40s, highlights the immense potential within Uganda’s agricultural sector, underscoring the vital role strategic government support can play in fostering widespread success.

For booking or consultation, contact Mr. Obong Tom on Telephone number +256 772 579 807