5TH EDITION OF NORTHERN UGANDA AGRICULTURAL TRADE SHOW SET FOR MARCH IN GULU

From the left is Okello Etik Tong Ololo, Marketing and Business Lead for the Agriculture Sector Network, second Dr. Edward Omaido Principal Veterinary Officer and Acting City Production Officer for Gulu City, third is Nicholas George Kidega Principal Commercial Officer for Gulu City and Grace Musimami General Secretary of Agriculture Network Uganda during press conference.

By Stephen Odong

Gulu City

Preparations are underway for the 5th Edition of the Northern Uganda Agricultural Trade Show, scheduled to take place from 26th to 30th March 2026 at Kaunda Grounds in Bardege Layibi Division, Gulu City.

This year’s event will be led by Gulu City, in partnership with Agriculture Network Uganda, the official organizers, together with other partners.

The Principal Veterinary Officer and Acting City Production Officer for Gulu City, Dr. Edward Omaido, has called upon the general public, exhibitors, innovators, and consumers to actively participate in the event.

Dr. Omaido said the show will provide an opportunity for the public to learn about the latest trends in agriculture, including livestock management, crop production, and agricultural trade.

“Come and see what is currently trending in the area of veterinary services, especially livestock keeping, trade and marketing, as well as the various crops grown within Gulu City and the wider Northern Uganda region,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Principal Commercial Officer for Gulu City, Nicholas George Kidega, has urged the public to take advantage of the trade show to buy agricultural products and technologies that will be available at relatively affordable prices.

According to Kidega, the event is not only meant for people to view exhibitions but also to promote business interactions between sellers and buyers.

“When we say trade show, many people think they are only coming to see. No, this is business. We are inviting people to come and sell their products, and we are also inviting consumers to come and buy,” he said.

He explained that one of the key advantages of a trade show is that buyers have the opportunity to interact directly with sellers and receive detailed explanations about the benefits and proper use of the products before making purchasing decisions.

Some exhibitors showcasing their locally made product in last year trade show.

The Marketing and Business Lead for the Agriculture Sector Network, Okello Etik Tong Ololo, said the trade show is not limited to agricultural exhibitors alone, noting that businesses from other sectors are also welcome to participate since the event is designed as a platform for trade and innovation.

“This is an opportunity for innovators to get a platform where they can be seen and interact with others,” he said.

For the past four years, the agricultural trade show has been held in July at the Gulu University playground. However, this year the event has been moved to March and will take place at Kaunda Grounds.

The General Secretary of Agriculture Network Uganda, Grace Musimami, explained that the change was made after feedback from farmers and other participants who attend the show.

“The impact of the show is what matters. We always get feedback from participants about how the show should be organized, including where and when it should be held,” Musimami said.

He noted that many farmers indicated that previous trade shows were sometimes held off-season. Farmers preferred the event to take place closer to the first planting season so they can access agricultural inputs such as seeds, tools, and technologies in time for their farming activities.

The trade show is expected to bring together more than 10,000 participants and over 150 exhibitors, including farmers, agribusiness companies, innovators, agricultural experts, and other stakeholders. The event aims to promote agricultural innovation, facilitate knowledge sharing, and strengthen market opportunities across Northern Uganda under the theme “unlocking opportunity for sustainable future”.