Since its inception 1994, UOSPA has been coordinating and promoting production, processing and marketing of oilseed crops (sunflower, soyabean and simsim) with overall objective of contributing to poverty alleviation by improving food security, nutrition and income of rural households in the project districts. It is currently operating in 20 districts distributed in Bugishu, Teso, Lang and Acholi sub-regions. The district are; Sironko, Mbale, Bulambuli, Bukedea, Kumi, Serere, Soroti and Amuria in Eastern Uganda and Lira, Apac, Dokolo, Aleptong, Kole, Otuke, Amolatar, Oyam, Nwoya, Amuru, Omoro,and Gulu in Northern Uganda

The Vegetable oilseed sector is one of the commodities earmarked by Government of Uganda as strategic commodity that has the potential for import substitution and the country’s industrial growth (VOPD2, 2011). The sub-sector is a main source of livelihood for over 480,000 of Northern and Easten Uganda. The North and Eastern Uganda accounts for over 70% of the production and through zoning program, the region has the highest geographical comparative advantage for oilseed crops production (VODP, 2006). Emphasis on the sub sector as a trigger of development is focused on market and particular attention to rural smallholder farmers (PMA, 2000). Since 1995, several interventions have been carried by UOSPA. This led to increased oilseed production thus attracting various stakeholders; public agencies and private investors, farmers and traders in the sub-sector.