Improved citrus quality, rising farmer incomes and expanding market opportunities took centre stage as the Director of the National Semi-Arid Resources Research Institute (NaSARRI), Dr. Kalule Okello David, represented the Director General of the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) at the second KOPIA-Teso Citrus October Festival in Soroti City.
Held on 21 October 2026 at the Soroti Education Center in Awasi Cell, Soroti City, the festival attracted over 700 participants, including farmers from Soroti City, Lira, Kumi, and Butaleja districts; researchers; agribusiness stakeholders; and community members. The event, organised by the Korea Partnership for Innovation of Agriculture (KOPIA) Uganda Center, showcased progress under the Citrus Model Village Project in the Teso sub-region.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Kalule commended KOPIA for its contribution to citrus research and production in Uganda. He underscored the importance of citrus farming in generating household income, strengthening food and nutrition security, and building resilience to climate change. He noted that the initiative aligns with key development frameworks, including Uganda National Development Plan IV, Uganda Vision 2040 and the Kampala CAADP Declaration. He identified varietal diversity and pest tolerance as key research priorities for NARO and KOPIA, urging farmers to take ownership of the project and sustain its achievements as donor support phases out.
The Director of KOPIA Uganda Center, Dr. Cho Illho, challenged farmers to improve orange quality, branding and packaging to compete with imported fruits and access domestic and international markets. He reaffirmed KOPIA’s commitment to working with NARO to provide technical support that strengthens citrus production and marketing.
Dr. Ssemalulu Onesimus, Principal Investigator of the Citrus Model Village Project at the National Agricultural Research Laboratories (NARL), said the project has supported 150 citrus farmers across the Teso sub-region by developing and promoting appropriate technologies and training in good agronomic practices. These interventions have improved orange quality and yields, increasing household incomes. Farmers’ testimonies, shared through music, dance and drama performances, illustrated these gains. Several farmers reported using income from citrus production to build houses, buy motorcycles, and educate their children.
Reflecting on the project’s 12-year journey, Dr. John Adriko, Director of the National Forestry Resources Research Institute (NaFORRI) and former Principal Investigator, commended farmers for the progress achieved. He noted that previously produced oranges were small and blemished, while fruit quality had improved significantly. He appreciated the KOPIA Uganda Center for supporting a holistic approach to citrus value chain development in the Teso sub-region and acknowledged NARO’s contribution through the Uganda Climate Smart Agricultural Transformation Project.
Soroti City Production Officer, Mr. Okiria Joseph, called for the annual festival to rotate among participating districts to promote peer learning. He also urged farmers to position oranges as a flagship agricultural commodity for the Teso sub-region and encouraged youth to embrace citrus production as a source of income and livelihood transformation.
The project selected 15 farmers from the 150 it supported to participate in this year’s festival. Selection was based on field-level crop management and Brix content scores. The participating farmers presented orange samples for evaluation by a team identified by KOPIA. The assessment considered fruit size, juiciness and sweetness, measured using Brix content.
Mr. Emeju Charles from Arapai, Soroti City, emerged as the overall winner with a score of 56%, receiving USD 1,000. Mr. Egwera Michael, also from Arapai, scored 45% and received USD 500, while Mr. Omongin Francis from Atutur, Kumi District, scored 42% and received USD 500. Mr. Engoru Peter from Arapai, Soroti City, and Mr. Oyed Lambert from Ngora, Kumi District, each scored 41% and received USD 300. Mr. Otai Robert from Kumi District scored 38% and also received USD 300.
The awards recognised farmers’ efforts in applying recommended citrus production practices and encouraged continued improvements in fruit quality and productivity.