The Uganda Grain Development Project (UGDP) is an IFC Advisory Services project, which aims to create a sustainable business model for 6,000 smallholder farmers, helping them improve maize production, quality, and market access over three years. Key objectives include: (i) expanding production through pre-financing for quality inputs; (ii) offering a digital marketplace for selling produce and purchasing inputs; (iii) streamlining Agilis’ farm operations to boost maize, soybean, and sunflower production; and (iv) advising Agilis on land acquisition and resettlement standards.

In July 2024, CAO received a complaint submitted by Witness Radio, a Ugandan civil society organization, on behalf of local community members of Kiryandongo District, where Agilis Partners Limited operates. The complaint raised concerns related to various environmental and social issues, including land acquisition and resettlement, inadequate compensation for loss of land and livelihoods, lost access to water sources, schools, and health centers, as well as concerns related to threats and reprisals and gender-based violence.

In August 2024, CAO found the complaint eligible and conducted an assessment. During CAO’s assessment, the parties agreed to engage in a voluntary CAO-facilitated dispute resolution process to address the issues raised in the complaint. In accordance with the CAO Policy, the case was transferred to CAO’s Dispute Resolution function. The Assessment Report is available in English, and a Luganda translation will be available soon.