Zirobwe, Luweero – dfcu Bank in partnership with Vision Group, KLM, Embassy of Netherlands in Uganda, and Koudjis has today launched the 11th edition of the Best Farmers Competition at Prime Agro Farm in Zirobwe, Luweero District under the theme ‘’Value Addition with Focus on Large Scale Farmers and Cooperatives’’.
The competition was officially unveiled during an event at Prime Agro Farm Ltd., located in Zirobwe. The farm is owned by Sebastian Ruta Ngabwa, the winner of the 2023 edition of the Best Farmers Competition.
In his speech, Ngambwa, Managing Director of Prime Agro Farms, offered a glimpse into modern dairy farming with guided tours of milking machines, silage production, and sustainable feeding practices.
“We believe in doing dairy differently. Our cows are not just grazing; they eat, rest, and we supplement with concentrates depending on what’s locally available,” said Ngambwa, adding, “This is a family-owned farm with a vision to grow and serve the community with inputs, training, and veterinary support.”
The 2025 edition of the competition introduces three new categories: Large-scale farmers, Small and Medium Scale farmers, and Formal Cooperatives, a move praised by key sponsors.
Matthias Jumba, Head of Integrated Channels at DFCU Bank, emphasised the bank’s continued commitment: “The Best Farmers Competition celebrates Uganda’s most impactful farmers and inspires many more to turn agriculture from survival to sustainable prosperity. We’ve introduced agriculture loans, insurance, and asset financing to help farmers scale up.”
Jumba highlighted DFCU’s evolution from a banking institution to a development partner, citing the establishment of the DFCU Foundation and the Agribusiness Development Centre to build farmer capacity.
“We want to finance millions of dreams and turn farming into a business,” he declared, adding: “Let us remember: When we invest in farmers, we invest in families. When we empower cooperatives, we empower communities. And when we transform agriculture, we transform Uganda.”
Joost Van Ettro, Deputy Ambassador of the Netherlands to Uganda, officially opened the 2025 competition. “We started this journey 11 years ago to promote farming as a business. Today, Ugandan farmers are exporting regionally and internationally,” he said.
“Dutch companies are no longer just exporting to Uganda—they are investing here. One is even building a factory in Jinja, sourcing 90% of inputs locally,” he added.
Van Ettro reaffirmed the Dutch commitment to transitioning from development to trade partnerships: “We want to grow together, as equal partners.”
Gervase Ndyanabo, Deputy Managing Director at Vision Group, underlined the role of media in agricultural transformation. “Vision Group spends about UGX 1.7 billion annually on this project. The media muscle we unleash—across four TV stations, seven radio stations, two newspapers, and digital platforms—ensures that the message of agricultural excellence reaches every Ugandan,” he noted.
He further acknowledged the power of exposure: “The trip to the Netherlands is transformational. Farmers return with new mindsets. One farmer told us he came thinking he was ready to compete—until he saw what others were doing. That’s the impact of visibility.”
Dr Emma Naluyima, veterinary doctor and chief judge of the competition, echoed this sentiment: “Every year we see progress. Farmers who once thought small are now opening their farms, training others, and inspiring the next generation. This is how we build a resilient agricultural nation.”
Over the years, the competition has significantly contributed to increased agricultural production on farms countrywide. This year, the focus shifts towards value addition, with an emphasis on enhancing the quality and marketability of farm outputs.
All the winners from the various sub-regions will be required to showcase how they add value to their products, demonstrating innovations in processing, packaging, or branding. Through this approach, the competition aims to promote proper post-harvest handling practices and ensure that farmers maximise returns from their produce.
Other partners, including KLM’s Country Manager Lukia Otema, celebrated the farmers’ role in feeding nations and economies. “Over 90% of KLM’s cargo out of Uganda is agriculture. This competition fosters innovation and sustainability,” she said.
Stevens Guido, Country Manager of Koudijs Uganda, encouraged farmers to mentor others. “A country without farmers has no backbone. We are here to supply and support the next generation of Ugandan farmers,” he stated.
As the competition opens for submissions, the message is clear: Uganda’s agricultural transformation depends on cooperation, innovation, and exposure. “May the best farmers win,” Van Ettro concluded.
Alex Madolo, Sector Head of Agriculture at dfcu Bank, noted, ‘’We are privileged to witness the transformation of farmers’ lives and livelihoods through access to finance and training. At dfcu Bank, we see ourselves not just as a financial services provider, but as a committed partner in the growth and success of businesses across Uganda.”
He also applauded the sponsoring partners of the initiative, who have been a part of its 11-year journey. “Vision Group, the Embassy of the Netherlands, KLM, Koudijs have remained committed to this vision of transforming the lives of agriculture practitioners, their families, communities and businesses.”
Through its dfcu Foundation, dfcu Bank has played a transformative role in Uganda’s agricultural sector by supporting over 1,280 agribusinesses with financing and capacity-building programs, reaching 59,000 beneficiaries nationwide.
As of December 2024, the Foundation has achieved notable milestones, including 52% women inclusion, $22 million in business linkages, and financial access for over 5,000 enterprises.
