By Okidi Patrick
UPDF Purchases 17,000 tonnes of Veterans‑Grown Maize, Boosting Rural Livelihoods in Obongi.
Obongi, Uganda – 15 January 2026: The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has bought more than 17 000 tonnes of maize worth UGX 22 million from veterans in Obongi District, a deal brokered through the UPDF’s National Enterprises Corporation (NEC). The transaction, completed at the Obongi Veterans’ Office, marks the largest single procurement of locally‑grown grain by the veterans to date and is being hailed as a milestone for veteran‑led commercial agriculture in the Obongi area.
The initiative was spearheaded by a coalition of local officials and veteran representatives. Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Samuel Mpimbaza Hashaka, together with area Member of Parliament Hon. Dr. Bhoka George Didi and Woman MP Hon. Zumura Maneno, facilitated the allocation of arable land in Obugubu Village, Liwa Parish, Gimara Sub‑County, to the Obongi Amani Commercial Farmers SACCO – a cooperative composed primarily of retired military personnel.
In a ceremony, Hon.WMP Maneno Zumura invited the Minister of State for Veterans, Hon. Huda Oleru, who pledged a government grant of UGX 500 million to support the veterans’ farming operations. “Our veterans have served the nation on the frontlines; it is our duty to ensure they reap the benefits of peace and prosperity,” Oleru said, underscoring the administration’s commitment to veteran empowerment.
According to Mr. Majid Jomo, Chairperson of the Obongi Veterans Amani Commercial Farmers SACCO, the veterans have already received UGX 122 million in direct transfers from the Ministry of Defence. “The UGX 22 million payment from the UPDF is a testament to the quality of our produce and the viability of veteran‑driven agribusiness,” Jomo explained. “Coupled with the promised UGX 500 million grant, this will enable us to expand our planting area, invest in modern processing equipment, and improve storage facilities.”
The maize, harvested between October and December 2025, met the stringent quality standards set by the NEC, which requires low moisture content, uniform kernel size, and compliance with food‑safety protocols. The bulk purchase will be processed and distributed to UPDF garrisons nationwide, helping to reduce reliance on imported cereals and bolster food security for the armed forces.
Broader implications for the region
The deal arrives at a pivotal moment for Obongi District, a region historically characterized by subsistence farming and limited market access. Agricultural analysts suggest that the success of the veteran SACCO could serve as a replicable model for other districts seeking to integrate ex‑service members into commercial agriculture.
For the Obongi veterans, the agreement represents more than a financial transaction; it is a validation of their transition from military service to sustainable entrepreneurship. As Mr. Jomo put it, “We have always defended our country with guns; now we are feeding it with grain.”
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