TotalEnergies EP Uganda officials at a stall showcasing agric-based products.
TotalEnergies EP Uganda (TEP Uganda), has today hosted the inaugural Tilenga Project Agri-Business Forum under the theme: “Empowering Farmers and Enabling Linkages: An Agriculture Value Chain Networking Forum.”
The forum which was held at Buliisa District Headquarters brought together over 200 farmer groups with the aim of bridging critical knowledge gaps, promoting entrepreneurial mindsets, and fostering sustainable linkages across Uganda’s agricultural value chain.
The Forum was designed as a strategic response to stakeholder calls for enhanced information sharing and sustainable market access.
It builds on TEP Uganda’s ongoing community centred initiatives, including the Livelihood Restoration Programme and the Community Agriculture Initiatives.
These programs have supported over 10,000 households across Buliisa, Hoima, Nwoya, Pakwach, and Kikuube districts with improved inputs, training, and access to market.
To date, more than 20,000 bags of cassava cuttings, 25,000 kilograms of maize seed, and improved livestock breeds have been distributed. Additionally, demonstration farms and farmer groups have been established to promote knowledge transfer and collective growth.
Philippe Groueix, the General Manager of TotalEnergies EP Uganda stated that the Agribusiness Forum is a testament to the company’s commitment to sustainable development and community empowerment.
“By supporting direct linkages between farmers and key actors in the agribusiness value chain, we are not only enhancing agricultural productivity but also cultivating entrepreneurial mindsets, driving economic growth and resilience in the Tilenga project area. This initiative is more than just farming; it’s about creating a sustainable ecosystem where local communities can thrive, innovate, and lead the way in agricultural excellence across our host communities.”
The Forum was organised in collaboration with the East African Grain Council, Community Integrated Development Initiative (CIDI), Living Earth Uganda (LEU), and the Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU).
Benjamin Aijuka, EAGC Uganda Programs Manager stated: “Strengthening quality standards at the production level is a technical requirement and a gateway to regional trade, and longterm farmer prosperity. At EAGC, we work closely with farmers to build their capacity in meeting these standards and to establish direct, reliable linkages with structured markets.”
“Platforms like this forum are critical; they bring value chain actors to the same table, foster transparency, and accelerate the transition from subsistence farming to commercially viable agribusiness,” Aijuka added.
The forum also attracted representatives from Tilenga Project Affected Households (PAHs), Project Affected Communities (PACs), farmer groups, produce buyers, processors, aggregators, financial institutions, and government officials.
TotalEnergies EP Uganda has been undertaking Livelihood Restoration programmes since 2022 aimed at mitigating impacts of economic displacement related to project land acquisition.
The Community Agriculture Initiatives programme launched in 2024 was developed with the aim of improving and increasing agriculture production, food security, and incomes among communities in the Tilenga project area.
