IMPACT CREATED: Uganda’s 2025 Best Farmers Competition Launches with Focus on Value Addition

By our reporter 

 Luwero, Uganda: The 11th edition of the prestigious Best Farmers Competition was officially launched on 16th.04.2025,at Prime Agro Farm in Zirobwe, Luweero District, under the theme “Value Addition with Focus on Large-Scale Farmers and Cooperatives.”

 The event, organized by dfcu Bank in partnership with ,Vision group, KLM, Koudjis, and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, aims to revolutionize Uganda’s agricultural sector by emphasizing quality, innovation, and marketability.  

The competition, which has historically boosted agricultural productivity across Uganda, now shifts its focus to value addition.

 Participants will be required to demonstrate how they enhance their products through processing, packaging, or branding, promoting better post-harvest practices and higher profitability.  

Sebastian Ruta Ngabwa, owner of Prime Agro Farm and winner of the 2023 edition, hosted the launch event. 

Speaking at the ceremony, Mathias Jumba, Head of Integrated Channels at dfcu Bank, highlighted the competition’s role in transforming agriculture from subsistence to sustainable prosperity.

 “For over 60 years, dfcu has been a steadfast partner to Uganda’s farmers, bridging financing gaps and supporting value chains,” he said.  

Alex Madolo, Sector Head for Agriculture at dfcu Bank, praised the initiative’s impact on livelihoods and applauded the partners for their commitment over the past 11 years.

 New categories for 2025 include Large-Scale Farmers, Small and Medium-Scale Farmers, and Farmer Cooperatives, broadening participation and inclusivity.  

The dfcu Foundation reported significant achievements in agribusiness support, including empowering 1,281 enterprises, facilitating over $22 million in business linkages, and connecting 5,000 enterprises to financial services. 

Notably, 52% of beneficiaries since 2018 have been women, underscoring the Foundation’s dedication to gender equality.  

Since its inception in 1964, dfcu Bank has played a pivotal role in Uganda’s economic growth, particularly in agribusiness.

 The 2025 Best Farmers Competition continues this legacy, inspiring innovation and excellence in Uganda’s farming community.