OYAM, UGANDA – The Woman Member of Parliament for Oyam District, Hon. Santa Alum, has donated 3,300 kilograms of maize seeds to 11 cooperative societies across the district in a move aimed at strengthening the fight against poverty and hunger.
The donation, which targets farmer groups across several sub-counties, is intended to boost food production and encourage a shift toward commercial agriculture among local communities.
Speaking through her Political Assistant, Hon. Christ Ongom, MP Alum emphasized the need for households to move beyond subsistence farming and embrace agriculture as a sustainable business enterprise.
"This support is part of a broader vision to ensure that our people are food-secure while also generating income through commercial farming. Maize is a high-value crop, and with the right inputs and collective effort through cooperatives, our farmers can achieve significant returns," Ongom said on behalf of the MP.
The 11 beneficiary cooperatives received the seeds to plant during the current season, with leaders expressing optimism that the intervention will increase yields and improve livelihoods.
Geoffrey Okwera, Chairperson of Wonkom me Aceno Primary Producer Cooperative Society in Aceno Ward, Minakulu Town Council, thanked MP Alum for the timely support, noting that the seeds had arrived at the perfect time for planting.
"The support came at the right time. We were worried about how we would afford quality seeds this season, but this donation has given us hope for a good harvest," Okwera said.
Similarly, members of Berbedo Farmers Cooperative Society in Ngai Sub-county—including Florence Okite and Jackline Richard Okello—expressed deep appreciation to the legislator, stating that the donation would go a long way in boosting their production and improving household incomes.
The initiative is part of MP Alum's ongoing efforts to empower farmers through cooperative-based interventions, promoting collective marketing, shared resources, and sustainable agricultural practices across Oyam District.
