Overall winners receiving their dummy cheques. Dfcu boss Mathias Katamba (L) says Uganda has an opportunity to feed East Africa
For the sixth time running, dfcu Bank in partnership with Vision Group, the Netherlands Embassy, KLM Airlines and Koudjis Nutrition B.V have rewarded farmers across the country in an initiative dubbed ‘Best Farmer’s Competition’. The annual competition seeks to celebrate farmers, showcase how farming is contributing to the economic development of the country and rally the public to embrace commercial farming.
Mathias Katamba, dfcu Bank’s CEO, commended the 13 farmers that emerged victorious and urged other farmers to embrace modern farming as Uganda’s future lies therein. “Uganda currently supplies, to the UAE and other European markets, tons of fresh produce such as fruits and vegetables, fish, flowers, honey etc. With the best climate and environment to support agriculture, we have an opportunity to position ourselves as a food basket for East Africa and beyond,” he urged.
“dfcu Bank recognises this opportunity and supports farmers through a range of bespoke financial services. As your banking partner, we want to see you win because when you win, we win. We also have partners such as Rabo Bank that are fully committed to support farmers with all their needs,” he added.
The awards which were introduced in 2014, have been instrumental in impacting the agricultural sector in the country leading to an increase from 1.7% at its launch to 3.2% in 2019, according to Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries
The award ceremony was a hybrid event that happened at New Vision Group premises with a few invited guests and virtually for the public to participate on 16th March. Thirteen (13) farmers were recognized for their farming excellence. On top of the 10 regional winners, there is a special category of Women in Farming. This, according to the sponsors, is intended to galvanize women as major players in the agriculture sector. The three winners in this sector were Jacent Namyalo Muwanga, Maureen Nyakato and Prossy Kazibwe.
The overall winner of the Uganda Best farmers competition, Philip Kalera from Central Region walked away with UGX 50, 000,000 million and an all-expense paid farming trip to the Netherlands. The first runner-up, Immaculate Akullo received UGX 30,000,000 million and trip to the Netherlands. Peter Matsiko emerged as the third best farmer in Uganda.
Samuel Kange from Bugiri was the Eastern Region winner, Gloria Rwamafa Karungi winner in Kampala region, Micheal Opiyo winner Northern region, Ben Amodoi winner Mid-Eastern region, Joseph Munerya – Western region, Bob Kagoro winner western region and Dr. Bernard Oboa winner West-Nile region. Pastor Kayanja Robert and Dr. Kabirizi Jolly were commended for leading exemplarily by investing in farming.
