• Is oil palm a commercial crop in Uganda?
  • Research is paramount in regard to identifying and addressing challenges associated with the commercial production of oil palm in Uganda. (Passage originally stated: Oil palm is a novel commercial crop in Uganda and as such, research is paramount in regard to identifying and addressing challenges associated with its production in the country.)
  • Why is oil palm a problem in Uganda?
  • In Uganda, oil palm faces significant challenges from various pests and diseases. The major problems are Fusarium wilt of oil palm and Basal stem rot. Oil palm is prone to infestation by these issues at different stages of growth respective of the growth location.
  • Is oil palm production suitable in Kalangala?
  • Oil palm production in Kalangala exceeds 11,000 hectares and has been expanded to the districts of Buvuma and Mayuge. According to adaptability studies, oil palm production is suitable in Masaka, Kibaale, and Kagadi as well.
  • Where is Opul palm oil produced?
  • Opul palm oil is currently produced in Kalangala at the OPUL estate and by smallholder farmers. The fresh fruit bunches are gathered and processed into crude palm oil at OPUL mills, which is then shipped for final product processing by BIDCO in Jinja.
  • Who owns the oil palm plantations in Kalangala?
  • In Kalangala, over 6500 hectares belong to Oil Palm Uganda Limited (OPUL) while over 5000 hectares belong to medium and small-scale farmers.
  • Is oil palm adaptable to agroecology in Uganda?
  • From studies carried out in the 1970s, oil palm showed promising adaptability to some agroecologies in Uganda resulting in the first commercial establishment in 2005 on Bugala Island, Kalangala district.