By Alfred Opio
Technical staff in Pallisa District have undergone training on the electronic voucher (e-voucher) management system aimed at improving the delivery of agricultural inputs to farmers under the Uganda Climate-Smart Agricultural Transformation Project (UCSATP).
The hands-on training session, held on March 9, 2026, at the district headquarters in Pallisa District, brought together district production staff, agricultural extension officers, community development officers from both district and lower local government levels, the District Commercial Officer, staff from the Natural Resources and Environment Department, and ICT personnel.
Officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) also attended the training, including Adrine Agaba and Simon Peter Ochuli.
The e-voucher management system is a digital platform designed to enable farmer groups and beneficiaries to access project-supported agricultural inputs directly in a transparent, efficient, and accountable manner.
The training was conducted with support from m-Cash Uganda Limited, the accredited service provider contracted by MAAIF to deploy, operate, and provide related services for the system in project districts.
During the session, Leonard Otalakol from m-Cash Uganda Limited guided participants through the practical use of the system, explaining step by step how the digital platform operates. Participants were also given the opportunity to interact with the system, ask questions, and gain practical experience ahead of its implementation in their respective areas.
Speaking during the training, the Pallisa District Production Officer, Michael Okwalinga, said the system is intended to empower farmers while promoting efficiency, transparency, and accountability in the distribution of agricultural inputs.
He urged technical staff to mobilize farmer groups, strengthen coordination among themselves, and ensure they fully understand how the system works since they are directly responsible for supporting farmers in the field.
“You should understand the system because you are in charge of these farmers,” Dr. Okwalinga emphasized.
Meanwhile, the District Vice Chairperson of Pallisa District, Clement Opakasi, who represented the District Chairperson, commended the Government of Uganda and the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries for selecting the district to benefit from the project.
He also applauded the residents and farmers of Pallisa for embracing government programs and encouraged the trained staff to widely share information about the system so that farmers receive clear and consistent guidance.
Through the e-voucher system, farmers will be able to access quality agricultural inputs such as improved seeds, fertilizers, and other farm requirements through accredited agro-input dealers.
Officials say the system is expected to minimize delays, reduce misuse of agricultural inputs, and ensure that the intended beneficiaries receive support in a timely and transparent manner.
The rollout of the digital platform is also expected to strengthen service delivery in the agricultural sector, improve productivity among farmers, and enhance monitoring and accountability in the distribution of agricultural inputs under the project.
The training marks an important step in preparing technical staff in Pallisa District for the effective implementation of the e-voucher system, which is expected to improve farmers’ access to agricultural inputs and contribute to increased agricultural productivity in the district.
