By Okidi Patrick Obongi Veterans Reap UGX 13.5 Million in Landmark Maize Sale to UPDF.
OBONGI, UGANDA | November 22, 2025 — The Obongi District Veterans Amani Farmers Association achieved a monumental step towards economic self-sufficiency on Saturday, selling their first commercial harvest of maize to the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) in a deal valued at over UGX 13.5 million.
The transaction, which serves as a powerful testament to the success of government-supported agricultural initiatives among veterans, saw the association offload 10,421 kilograms of maize to the army’s procurement team.
The veterans earned a total of UGX 13,547,300, having negotiated a price of UGX 1,300 per kilogram.
This maiden sale represents the first harvest from the veterans’ large-scale commercial agricultural garden situated in Obugubu village, Liwa Parish, Gimara sub-county. According to association officials, further significant quantities of maize are still maturing in the fields.
Celebrating Self-Reliance
The commercial success was witnessed by key district and military figures, underscoring the strategic importance of the collaboration. Among those present were the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Obongi, Samuel Ishaka Mbimbaza; NRM Chairman Workers League Obongi, Asiendu Chrispus; UPDF Procurement Officer, Sam Rwakajara; and the Chair of the Veterans Association, identified only as Jumo.
RDC Mbimbaza lauded the veterans for transforming their service discipline into entrepreneurial success.
“Today, Obugubu has shown the way. Earning over 13 million shillings from their first harvest proves that commercial agriculture is the surest route to self-reliance for organized groups,” RDC Mbimbaza stated. “We must encourage other leagues and associations across the district to adopt this model started by our esteemed veterans.”
Gratitude to the Head of State
Speaking on behalf of the association, Chairman Jumo expressed deep appreciation for the government’s commitment to uplifting veterans.
“We are immensely grateful to H.E. the President of Uganda, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, and the NRM government for the unwavering support that provided us with the resources and guidance necessary to establish this plantation,” Jumo said. “This income will be reinvested to expand our capacity and ensure food security for our families and the region.”
The direct purchase by the UPDF highlights the commitment of the Defence Force to support local procurement, ensuring that money earned by local farmers and associations is retained within the community. Sam Rwakajara, the UPDF Procurement Officer, confirmed the quality of the maize and the seamless nature of the transaction.
“The UPDF is proud to support the hard work of our veterans. This produce is of excellent standard, and we look forward to continuing this partnership in future harvests,” Rwakajara commented.
The success of the Obongi District Veterans Amani Farmers Association is now being promoted as a benchmark for other organized groups—including women, youth, and workers leagues—to transition from subsistence farming to profitable commercial ventures supported by government initiatives.
The veterans under their Chairperson Jomo Majid were organized by the RDC Obongi Samuel Mpimbaza Hashaka, ARDC Umuhoza Habiba Furaha, area MP Hon. Dr Bhoka George Didi and the woman MP Hon. Zumura Maneno to start commercial agriculture in Obugubu village last year.
The area MP Hon Dr Bhoka and woman Hon Zumura Maneno offered the veterans a tractor free of charge with fuel and other items which included gum boots.
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