Alliad has officially launched its Open Market Day initiative at the Buliisa District Headquarters, a community-centered platform that connects local farmers directly with Alliad as buyers of fresh produce.
The initiative is designed to enhance economic participation, foster inclusive growth, and strengthen the relationship between Alliad and communities within the Tilenga project area.
This is part of Alliad's ongoing commitment to strengthening local economies, supporting small businesses and sharing global best practices
The launch brought together key stakeholders including representatives from TotalEnergies and Sinopec, the Petroleum Authority of Uganda (PAU), local district officials, and community leaders.
The Open Market Day provides local farmers with a reliable and fair marketplace for their crops, while promoting transparency and mutual benefit in the procurement of agricultural products.
Speaking at the launch, Alliad Country Manager Aggrey Ashaba said the initiative reflects the company’s commitment to creating shared value through sustainable local engagement.
“The Open Market Day is our way of integrating local farmers into our supply chain. This is not a hand-out, it’s a hand-up and good business for Alliad: building stronger, more resilient communities while ensuring that our operations directly support local economic growth,” he said.
Since its introduction, the Open Market Day has been held every Friday, with more than 80 farmers—men and women—participating across three market days in October.
Through these sessions, Alliad has sourced a range of fresh produce, including oranges, matooke, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and watermelons, directly from nearby farmers. This improves household incomes and promotes agribusiness development within the district as well as creating new opportunities for small businesses to thrive.
Representatives from TotalEnergies and Sinopec commended the company’s commitment to local empowerment, while the Petroleum Authority of Uganda highlighted the importance of such initiatives in meeting national local content objectives.
Farmers expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to collaborate with Alliad and welcomed the ongoing support and guidance provided by Alliad employees, particularly in adopting global safety standards and best practices.
Looking ahead, Alliad will continue to work closely with district authorities to organise knowledge-sharing sessions and provide ongoing support to local farmers.
The company says it remains committed to building sustainable partnerships, empowering communities, and ensuring that the benefits of major projects extend to those living in the region.
One local farmer, Baleke Kasono participated in the Open Market Day for the first time and successfully doubled orange sales.
“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.”
Aggrey Ashaba added that the initiative marks an important step in building sustainable partnerships with host communities.
“By sourcing locally, we are not only supporting livelihoods but also ensuring that the benefits of major projects extend to the very people who live around them. This is what inclusive growth truly means,” he said.
The Open Market Day will continue to be held every Friday at the Buliisa District Headquarters, serving as an ongoing platform for collaboration, transparency, and shared prosperity between Alliad and the local farming community.
