It was a bright and hopeful morning at Prime Agro Farm Ltd. in Zirobwe, Luweero District, where dfcu Bank, in collaboration with Vision Group, KLM, the Embassy of the Netherlands, and Koudijs, officially launched the 11th edition of the Best Farmers Competition. This year’s theme, “Value Addition with Focus on Large Scale Farmers and Cooperatives,” sets the stage for a more advanced and competitive era in Ugandan agriculture.
As a journalist with a passion for transformative stories, I had the opportunity to sit down with key figures behind this celebrated initiative to understand its deeper impact and vision for 2025.
Interview with Mathias Jumba – Head of Integrated Channels, dfcu Bank
Qn. What makes the Best Farmers Competition so enduring and impactful after more than a decade?
Mathias Jumba:
“The Best Farmers Competition is a celebration of innovation, hard work, and resilience in Uganda’s agriculture sector. Every year, we see ordinary farmers becoming extraordinary business leaders. This inspires others to follow suit and view agriculture not as survival, but as a prosperous and sustainable venture.”
He emphasized that dfcu’s role isn’t just about financing—it’s about facilitating transformation.
“For over 60 years, dfcu Bank has walked alongside farmers and agribusinesses across Uganda. From financing to value chain support, our goal is to empower farmers to scale operations, access better markets, and thrive.”
2025 Focus: Value Addition
This year’s competition moves beyond production and shines a spotlight on value addition—a critical step in improving the profitability and competitiveness of farm products. Farmers from across Uganda will now be required to demonstrate innovations in packaging, branding, and post-harvest processing.
“We’re encouraging farmers to think like entrepreneurs,” Jumba added. “It’s about maximizing returns and reducing post-harvest losses. Whether it’s branded honey, packaged groundnuts, or dairy products with traceability, we want to see value created at every level.”
New Categories Introduced
The 2025 edition introduces three key categories to capture the diversity of Uganda’s farming community:
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Large-Scale Farmers
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Small and Medium-Scale Farmers
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Farmer Cooperatives
These categories aim to enhance inclusivity and tailor recognition to different scales of operation and impact.
Interview with Alex Madolo – Sector Head, Agriculture, dfcu Bank
Qn. What has the competition taught you about the evolution of Uganda’s farming ecosystem?
Alex Madolo:
“It’s taught us that with the right support, farmers are unstoppable. Access to finance, training, and mentorship has completely transformed thousands of lives. At dfcu Bank, we don’t just lend money, we invest in the success of communities.”
He also acknowledged the unwavering support from long-time partners:
“Vision Group, the Embassy of the Netherlands, KLM, and Koudijs have walked with us on this journey for 11 years. Their belief in Uganda’s agricultural potential has made this growth possible.”
dfcu Foundation: Empowering Agribusiness at Scale
As part of its social investment arm, the dfcu Foundation has led bold efforts to elevate agribusiness in Uganda. I reviewed their most recent impact report, and the numbers speak volumes:
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1,281 agribusiness enterprises supported through financing and training
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490 enterprises accelerated through mentorship
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52% women inclusion rate since 2018
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59,000 direct beneficiaries trained or supported
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Over $22 million facilitated in business linkages
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5,000+ enterprises connected to formal banking systems
These achievements not only reflect the Foundation’s scale of impact, but also its deep commitment to inclusion, gender equity, and innovation.
The launch at Prime Agro Farm, owned by last year’s winner Sebastian Ruta Ngabwa, was more than a media event, it was a celebration of possibilities. The atmosphere was filled with inspiration, as past winners, partners, and community members shared their own testimonies of growth.
The event was embraced with presence from the big names and highly influential personalities in Uganda including former Leader of Opposition Professor Morris Ogenga Latigo among other judges.
As I left Zirobwe, with a couple of other media colleagues, I couldn’t help but reflect on how far the sector has come. The Best Farmers Competition isn’t just about trophies—it’s about transformation, visibility, and legacy. For Uganda’s farmers, the future is bright, and it smells like freshly tilled soil and the promise of value-added success.
