Uganda’s Best Farmers Head to Netherlands for Agricultural Study Tour

KAMPALA — Thirteen winners of Uganda’s 2025 Best Farmers Competition have been flagged off for a week-long agricultural study visit to the Netherlands, where they will gain exposure to advanced farming technologies, value addition systems, and modern agribusiness models aimed at transforming Uganda’s agricultural sector.

The farmers were officially flagged off on Thursday at the headquarters of dfcu Bank in Nakasero during a ceremony attended by representatives from the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Uganda, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, De Heus Koudijs Nutrition BV, Vision Group and the New Vision Foundation.

The delegation comprises Kiwana Kasirye, Dr Richard Wemesa, Pison Busingye, Patrick Olobo, Zubair Mukaaya, Ann Anguyo, Joan Kantu, Charles Oyuk, Nelly Turyamuhebwa, Alfred Ojok, and John Okwang of Alito Cooperatives, Ssekayi Ashiraf of Kibinge Coffee Farmers Cooperative, and Grace Natukunda of Dem Poultry Farm.

The farmers will spend a week in the Netherlands from May 30 to June 6, 2026, studying modern agricultural systems, best farming practices, value-addition technologies and opportunities for international business partnerships.

Speaking during the flag-off ceremony, Annette Kiconco, Chief Retail Banking Officer at dfcu Bank, said the initiative continues to play a critical role in transforming Uganda’s agriculture from subsistence farming into commercially viable agribusiness.

“The Best Farmers initiative has so far recognised more than 134 outstanding farmers whose innovation and commitment continue to shape Uganda’s agricultural sector,” Kiconco said.

“The 2025 cohort comprises 13 winners who will undertake a week-long exposure visit to the Netherlands, where they will gain first-hand experience in advanced agricultural technologies, modern farming systems, value addition, and cooperative-led commercialisation models aimed at strengthening Uganda’s agricultural competitiveness on the global stage.”

The Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Uganda, Frederieke Quispel, underscored the long-standing agricultural partnership between the two countries and highlighted Uganda’s vast potential in the sector.

“The partnership between the Netherlands and Uganda is built on decades of agricultural expertise and significant financial commitment,” Quispel said.

“The Netherlands currently invests approximately 80 million euros per year in Uganda’s agricultural sector to modernise value chains and link local farmers to global markets, with the Best Farmers initiative remaining a key part of this engagement.”

KLM Country Manager Lukia Otema applauded the farmers for their dedication and commitment to agricultural excellence, noting that the programme has become a catalyst for continuous growth among participants.

She said the study mission offers much more than travel, providing practical learning opportunities that empower farmers to modernise their enterprises and inspire others in the sector.

Meanwhile, Don Wanyama highlighted the programme’s growing impact over the years, noting that it has become one of Uganda’s most successful agricultural empowerment initiatives.

“Since its inception, the Best Farmers competition has recognised and rewarded 134 outstanding farmers from across Uganda,” Wanyama said.

“Of these, 121 have already travelled to the Netherlands, and with this 2025 cohort, the number will rise to 134 farmers who have benefited from this exposure opportunity.”

Beyond international exposure, the competition has also delivered substantial financial support to farmers. Wanyama revealed that approximately Shs1.5 billion has been awarded in cash prizes since the programme began.

“However, we always emphasise one important condition: the money must be invested back into improving farms, technology and agricultural productivity,” he said.

The programme is supported by a broader agricultural financing strategy led by dfcu Bank, which combines affordable credit, business development support and insurance solutions to strengthen resilience within the farming community.

Through its agricultural arm, the dfcu Foundation, the bank has supported more than 1,200 agribusinesses and reached over 59,000 beneficiaries across Uganda. The initiative has also facilitated financial linkages worth more than USD 22 million, helping farmers access capital and investment opportunities.

According to dfcu, Shs58 billion was disbursed to 136 farmers during the first quarter of 2026 alone. Farmers continue to benefit from credit facilities with interest rates as low as 12 per cent per annum, fixed pricing structures and repayment schedules tailored to seasonal agricultural cycles.

Now in its 12th year, the Best Farmers initiative has become a flagship programme for promoting agribusiness development, innovation and food security, while exposing Uganda’s top-performing farmers to global best practices that can be adapted to local conditions.

As the latest cohort embarks on the Netherlands study tour, organisers hope the knowledge and networks gained will contribute to the continued transformation of Uganda’s agricultural sector and inspire a new generation of commercially minded farmers.

Read Next Article