By Alfred Opio
Technical staff in Pallisa District have undergone training on the electronic voucher (e-voucher) management system aimed at improving the delivery of agricultural inputs to farmers under the Uganda Climate‑Smart Agricultural Transformation Project (UCSATP).
The hands-on training session, held on March 9, 2026 at the Pallisa District Headquarters, brought together district production staff, agricultural extension officers, community development officers from both district and lower local government levels, the District Commercial Officer, staff from the Natural Resources and Environment Department, as well as ICT sector personnel.
Officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) also attended the training, including Adrine Agaba and Simon Peter Ochuli.
The e-voucher management system is a digital platform designed to enable farmer groups and beneficiaries to access project-supported agricultural inputs directly in a transparent, efficient, and accountable manner.
The training was conducted with support from m‑Cash Uganda Limited, the accredited service provider contracted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries to deploy, operate, and provide related services for the system in the project districts.
During the session, Simon Peter Oculi, a staff member from m‑Cash Uganda Limited, guided participants through the practical use of the platform, explaining step by step how the system operates. Participants were also given the opportunity to interact with the system, ask questions, and gain practical experience in preparation for its implementation in their respective areas.
Speaking during the training, the Pallisa District Production Officer, Dr. Michael Okwalinga, said the system is intended to empower farmers while promoting efficiency, transparency, and accountability in the distribution of agricultural inputs.
He urged technical staff to mobilize farmer groups, strengthen coordination among themselves, and ensure they fully understand the system since they are directly responsible for working with farmers.
“You should understand the system because you are in charge of these farmers,” Dr. Okwalinga emphasized.
The project is designed to increase agricultural production and productivity, improve market access, and strengthen resilience among farmers against climate-related challenges.
Under the program, four major agricultural value chains have been prioritized. These include crops such as mangoes and citrus, dairy livestock production, beneficial insects including bees and Black Soldier Fly (BSF), as well as fisheries and aquaculture.
Officials further explained that the project operates under a co-funding arrangement, where organized farmer groups are required to contribute 20 percent of the investment costs according to their production plans.
The initiative specifically targets organized farmer groups in order to strengthen collective production, improve access to quality inputs, and enhance farmers’ ability to connect to markets.
Meanwhile, Clement Opakasi, the Vice Chairperson of Pallisa District who represented the District Chairperson, commended the Government of Uganda and the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries for considering the district for the project.
He also appreciated the farmers and residents of Pallisa for embracing government development programs and encouraged participants to share the knowledge widely so that farmers receive clear and consistent guidance about the new system.
Through the e-voucher system, farmers will be able to access quality agricultural inputs such as improved seeds, fertilizers, and other farm requirements through accredited agro-input dealers.
Officials believe the rollout of the digital platform will strengthen service delivery in the agricultural sector, improve productivity among farmers, and enhance monitoring, transparency, and accountability in the distribution of agricultural inputs.
The training marks an important step in preparing district technical staff for the effective implementation of the e-voucher system, which is expected to significantly improve farmers’ access to agricultural inputs and contribute to increased agricultural productivity in Pallisa District.
For more information about the project, farmers and stakeholders are encouraged to contact the District Production Officer, Dr. Michael Okwalinga.
