The Arua District Expedition, held from 15th to 16th March 2024, was one such impactful event. It brought together Youth Agripreneur Champions (YACs), private sector players, government institutions, and development partners to explore Arua’s business opportunities, raise funds for transformative projects, and celebrate its vibrant culture.
Objectives of the Arua District Expedition
The Arua District Expedition was designed to achieve the following goals:
- Empowering Youth Agripreneurs: Equip YACs in Arua with the resources and networks needed to contribute significantly to the district’s socio-economic development.
- Fundraising for Feed Mill Industries: Mobilize resources to establish Feed Mill Industries to support livestock farmers and improve the agricultural value chain.
- Showcasing Arua’s Cultural and Tourism Assets: Expose participants to the natural beauty, unique cultural heritage, and vast investment opportunities within Arua.
Highlights of the Expedition
The Arua Business Symposium
Held on 15th March 2024 at the OPM Grounds, the symposium served as a platform for insightful discussions on business, development, and investment in Arua.
Opening Remarks by Prof. Gudula Naiga Basaza: Gudie Leisure Farm founder and Managing Director emphasized the importance of Feed Mill Industries for Arua’s agricultural advancement and outlined the steps required to make this vision a reality.
Address by Mr. Tualib Onzima: The District PELA Chairperson of Arua showcased the achievements of YACs, highlighting the establishment of 32 PELAs that engage over 12,000 individuals, including smallholder farmers. These PELAs have facilitated training, savings, and access to financial services through village savings and loans associations (VSLAs).
Government and Development Insights:
Mr. Robinson Draga, District Production Officer, underscored the investment potential in Arua due to its proximity to South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. He also highlighted the opportunities offered by organizations like Save the Children-Uganda and the Norwegian Refugee Council.
Mr. Luke Taban, Focal Point Person for the Parish Development Model (PDM), shared strategies for leveraging government programs, tax incentives, and climate-smart agricultural practices to enhance productivity and competitiveness.
Mr. Luijji Candini, Secretary for Human Capital Development, encouraged youth to actively engage in government programs and youth councils to tap into available resources.
Local Entrepreneur Success Stories:
Mr. Kato Omia, General Manager of Omia Agribusiness, emphasized the importance of forming business groups and cooperatives to access inputs, markets, and mentorship opportunities.
Mr. Francis Alemiga, CEO of the Youth Entrepreneurship Skills Development Center, challenged young people to embrace innovation, citing mosquito-repellent briquettes as an example of local problem-solving.
Closing Remarks:
Mr. Alfred Okuonzi, LC 5 Chairperson, applauded GLF’s efforts in empowering Arua’s youth and encouraged collaboration among stakeholders to unlock the district’s vast business potential.
Cultural and Talent Showcase
The symposium concluded with a thrilling Talent Show, featuring performances by popular West Nile musicians like Monopoly Bad Character, Chico Wine, and Kago Aye, alongside GLF’s cultural troupe and boda boda community musicians. This showcase celebrated Arua’s vibrant culture while raising awareness of its development initiatives.
Wandi PELA Visit and Sightseeing
On 16th March 2024, participants visited Wandi PELA to learn about its achievements and share strategies for growth. The journey also included visits to the breathtaking Oluko Waterfalls and scenic hills, offering participants a glimpse of Arua’s natural beauty.