Alliad has officially launched a Weekly Open Market Day in Buliisa District to support local farmers and strengthen community relations in the region. Held every Friday from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Buliisa District Headquarters, the market allows local farmers to supply fresh fruits and vegetables directly to our camps in the area.

This initiative is a step forward for our Uganda team as we encourage inclusive growth in local communities. By sourcing produce locally, we are helping farmers earn a stable income while promoting nutritional health for our camps, strengthening the relationship between Alliad and the local communities as part of our ongoing commitment to driving economic growth and supporting small businesses.

More than 80 farmers have already participated, offering a variety of fresh products such as oranges, matooke, sweet potatoes, and tomatoes. Showcasing Alliad’s commitment to inclusive growth within the Tilenga area.

“Open Market Day is not a hand-out, it’s a hand-up, it’s about building stronger, more resilient communities while ensuring our operations directly support local economic growth”. — Aggrey Ashaba, Alliad Country Manager.

Agriculture in Uganda: A Vital Sector

Agriculture is the backbone of Uganda’s economy, employing over 70% of the population and contributing nearly 30% to the country’s GDP. Most local farmers are smallholders practicing subsistence farming, growing crops like maize, beans, cassava, bananas, and sweet potatoes. Despite fertile land and favorable climate, only 35% of Uganda’s land is currently cultivated.

In districts like Buliisa, farming is a primary source of livelihood. This initiative helps bridge the gap between rural producers and commercial buyers, encouraging sustainable farming and opening up opportunities for the local farmers.

Why Open Market Day Matters

This initiative is a step to improving local sourcing, reducing transport costs, and providing opportunities for local farmers in Buliisa, meeting our camp needs while strengthening ties with the local community.

By creating fair access and connecting farmers directly with buyers, Alliad helps ensure that the benefits of major projects reach the local communities. Our stakeholders from TotalEnergies and Sinopec have also praised the program, while the Petroleum Authority of Uganda highlighted its importance in driving sustainable development.

As shared by one local farmer:

“Participating in the open market day with Alliad was a game-changer for me. The money generated from my orange sales doubled on the very first day compared to what I used to sell in other markets. It gave me great exposure and connected me directly with customers who appreciate fresh, locally grown produce.’ — Baleke Kasono

Alliad remains committed to building sustainable partnerships and empowering the local communities with shared prosperity.

Learn more about our initiative here.