In the heart of northern Uganda, where fertile land meets determination, one man’s vision is helping transform livelihoods and build a more sustainable future for his community.
Meet Mr. Okidi Alfred, the founder of PURA-PURA Agricultural Inputs, a thriving agribusiness in Kalongo Town Council that’s not just selling seeds — but sowing hope, skills, and prosperity across Agago District.
The Meaning Behind PURA-PURA: “Working the Land” to Build a Better Life
When asked about the origins of his business, Okidi smiles. The name PURA-PURA comes from a local phrase meaning “working the land” — a reflection of his belief that hard work and honest farming are the true paths out of poverty.
“I chose the name to remind people that we rise by engaging in productive work,” he explains. “We can uplift ourselves through agriculture, not by idleness or shortcuts.”
After earning his Certificate in Agriculture in 2013, Okidi decided to turn knowledge into action. In 2014, with just UGX 100,000 in startup capital, he opened a modest shop selling essential agricultural inputs. By 2017, after completing a Diploma in Agriculture, his business had expanded and begun to serve hundreds of farmers across Kalongo and surrounding sub-counties.
Building a Business That Feeds Communities
Today, PURA-PURA is a vital lifeline for local farmers. The shop stocks a wide range of agricultural inputs, including:
- Certified seeds for onions, cabbages, tomatoes, and eggplants
- Pesticides and fungicides such as Rocket and Indofil
- Herbicides (selective and non-selective) for effective weed control
- Protective wear like gumboots and gloves
But PURA-PURA offers more than products — it provides education, training, and advice. Farmers frequently visit Okidi not only to buy inputs but also to learn how to use them properly. His hands-on approach ensures that customers understand the timing, dosage, and soil requirements for their crops.
“Farmers sometimes struggle with poor yields because they don’t know when or how to use inputs correctly,” he says. “We try to bridge that knowledge gap so they can succeed.”
Growing Through Challenges
Running a business in rural Uganda is no easy feat. Okidi has faced challenges familiar to many small entrepreneurs:
- Unreliable product quality — some seeds bought from open markets fail to germinate.
- High costs of stock and transportation, especially from cities like Lira.
- Limited farmer education, which can lead to misuse of products and poor outcomes.
Despite these setbacks, PURA-PURA has grown remarkably. Today, Okidi routinely restocks with over UGX 1,000,000 worth of goods — a tenfold increase from his humble beginnings. His resilience and commitment have earned him both community trust and national recognition.
In 2021, he received the Professor Dr. J.J. Otim Development Award from The Kalongo Times, honoring his contribution to local entrepreneurship and rural transformation.
Impacting Lives — One Farmer at a Time
The ripple effects of PURA-PURA’s work are visible all across Kalongo. Through his outreach programs and radio talk shows, Okidi has become a local advocate for modern farming, sharing insights on soil health, pest control, and sustainable cultivation.
His training has inspired a new generation of young farmers — including success stories like Mr. Oloya, a youth who started a small vegetable farm just outside Kalongo Town.
“Oloya now supplies tomatoes, onions, and cabbages directly to the Kalongo main market,” Okidi proudly shares. “He’s proof that young people can thrive in agriculture if given the right tools and support.”
By promoting local production, PURA-PURA is helping keep money circulating within Kalongo’s economy, reducing dependence on traders from distant regions like Bugisu. This localized economic empowerment is key to community resilience and self-sufficiency.
Vision for the Future: Expanding Access and Knowledge
Looking ahead, Okidi envisions a broader reach for his enterprise. His short-to-medium-term goals include:
- Opening new outlets in neighboring sub-counties
- Upgrading to a larger distribution center
- Acquiring short-course training in agricultural business management
- Eventually pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture to further strengthen his expertise
He also dreams of partnering with development organizations and investors to create a regional agricultural resource center — a hub where farmers can access affordable inputs, reliable training, and up-to-date information on sustainable practices.
The Power of Grassroots Entrepreneurship in Africa
PURA-PURA’s story isn’t just about one business; it’s about the transformative potential of grassroots enterprises in Africa. With small amounts of capital, practical knowledge, and a commitment to community growth, entrepreneurs like Okidi are bridging gaps that large corporations often overlook.
His journey shows that local innovation drives real impact — creating jobs, improving food security, and fostering economic independence. Supporting businesses like PURA-PURA means investing in Africa’s most powerful resource: its people.
“My goal is to help farmers view agriculture as a serious business, not just a survival activity,” Okidi says. “When people take farming seriously, they improve their lives and build our nation.”
Lessons from PURA-PURA’s Success
Okidi’s success offers valuable takeaways for other small business owners and development partners:
- Start small, think big: A tiny investment can grow into a sustainable enterprise with consistency and vision.
- Educate your market: Knowledge sharing builds loyalty and ensures better outcomes for customers.
- Give back to the community: Empowering others creates a stronger, more supportive ecosystem.
- Seek partnerships: Collaborating with NGOs and government agencies can amplify impact.
Call to Action: Invest in Africa’s Growing Agricultural Future
Supporting businesses like PURA-PURA is about more than buying seeds — it’s about planting the seeds of progress.
Every investment in local agribusinesses fuels innovation, creates jobs, and strengthens food systems that sustain entire communities. Whether through funding, partnerships, or mentorship, your support can help entrepreneurs like Okidi Alfred scale their impact.
Join the movement to empower African grassroots enterprises.
Invest in sustainable farming. Support local innovation. Help grow the next generation of agricultural leaders.
Because when Africa’s farmers thrive, the whole world grows with them.