By Mike Rwothomio

ITRACOM Fertilizers Uganda-SMC Ltd, a subsidiary of ITRACOM Holdings, has formally expressed interest in acquiring 1,000 acres of land within the Wadelai Irrigation Scheme in Pakwach District to establish a large-scale rice seed and grain production project.

The initiative aligns with Uganda’s agricultural commercialization agenda and aims to enhance food security, bolster rural livelihoods, and promote sustainable development.

In a letter dated April 6, 2025, addressed to the Chairperson of the Pakwach Wadelai Rice Irrigation Scheme Cooperative Society Ltd, Jeunlue Bigirimana, ITRACOM’s Country Representative, outlined the company’s intent.

 “We write to express our interest in securing 1,000 acres of land within the Wadelai Irrigation Scheme to develop a large-scale rice seed and grain production project,” the letter states.

On April 8, 2025, a stakeholder meeting in Gulu brought together ITRACOM officials, Wadelai farmers, OWC representatives, and General Salim Saleh, OWC’s Chief Coordinator. Accompanied by Alex Cwinyaai (Chairperson, Wadelai Irrigation Scheme), Odongo Emilio Wathum (community leader), and Major (Rtd) Owacgiu Emmanuel (OWC Pakwach), local farmers endorsed the project. Photo/courtesy

Bigirimana emphasized that the scheme’s reliable water supply, fertile soils, and the government’s commitment to agricultural transformation make it an ideal location for this venture.

ITRACOM Fertilizers Uganda-SMC Ltd positions itself as a key player in Uganda’s agricultural sector, with a mission to improve food security, empower smallholder farmers, and drive sustainable agricultural growth.

The proposed project is expected to increase rice yields, generate employment opportunities, enhance local capacity, and contribute to the commercialization of agriculture in the region.

 “We believe this investment will unlock significant socio-economic benefits while supporting the government’s vision for agricultural development,” Bigirimana noted.

ITRACOM’s proposal includes adherence to land-use regulations, environmental standards, and community engagement protocols, signaling a commitment to sustainable and inclusive development.

Company Background and Regional Footprint

ITRACOM Fertilizers Uganda-SMC Ltd is a subsidiary of FOMI Fertilizers, a Burundi-based firm under ITRACOM Holdings, specializing in the production and distribution of organo-mineral fertilizers across the Great Lakes Region, including Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

In Uganda, the company operates from its office at Plot 2 Ntinda-Kimera Road, Bukenga Building, Kampala.

Strategic Rationale and Stakeholder Engagement

The decision to invest in Wadelai follows a fact-finding mission on April 5, 2025, involving ITRACOM Holdings, Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), and Wadelai Irrigation Scheme leadership. 

The scheme’s infrastructure—supported by reliable irrigation, fertile alluvial soils, and proximity to regional markets—offers a conducive agroecological environment for high-yield rice production.

This aligns with Uganda’s National Development Plan, which prioritizes agricultural productivity and value addition.

On April 8, 2025, a stakeholder meeting in Gulu brought together ITRACOM officials, Wadelai farmers, OWC representatives, and General Salim Saleh, OWC’s Chief Coordinator. Accompanied by Alex Cwinyaai (Chairperson, Wadelai Irrigation Scheme), Odongo Emilio Wathum (community leader), and Major (Rtd) Owacgiu Emmanuel (OWC Pakwach), local farmers endorsed the project. 

Cwinyaai lauded the initiative, crediting H.E. President Yoweri Museveni for prioritizing the Wadelai Irrigation Scheme as a catalyst for poverty alleviation and economic inclusion. 

“This investment will integrate thousands into the monetized economy,” he stated.

The Wadelai Irrigation Project, part of the Farm Income Enhancement and Forestry Conservation Project (FIEFOC-2), is funded by the African Development Bank and the Nordic Development Fund, with a government investment of approximately USD 91.7 million. Covering one of four national irrigation schemes, it aims to boost farm incomes, enhance climate resilience, and promote sustainable natural resource management and agricultural enterprise development—all critical pillars of Uganda’s Vision 2040.

Broader Regional Context

ITRACOM’s proposal follows a March 23, 2025, memorandum from West Nile leaders to General Saleh, highlighting development gaps in the sub-region.

Submitted by the West Nile Development Association (WENDA) and private sector actors, the document—stemming from a December 2024 accountability meeting at Muni University—calls for increased representation, regional status for West Nile’s 3.8 million people, and a tailored development framework akin to those in Rwenzori and Karamoja.

Team for the fact-finding mission on April 5, 2025, involving ITRACOM Holdings, Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), and Wadelai Irrigation Scheme leadership at Wadelai irrigation scheme.

Leveraging West Nile’s proximity to DR Congo and South Sudan, leaders envision trade-driven growth and socio-economic transformation.

Emilio Wathum Odongo, President of the Forum for Development of Greater Nebbi, described the Gulu meeting as a “fruitful outcome” of the Wadelai fact-finding mission, underscoring its potential to address chronic underdevelopment.

With ITRACOM’s investment, the Wadelai Irrigation Scheme could emerge as a model for agro-industrial growth, aligning with broader goals of poverty reduction, food security, and regional equity.

Mike Rwothomio is News Editor at Zoomer Africa