KAMPALA — Thirteen winners of the 2025 Best Farmers Competition are set to travel to the Netherlands for a week-long agricultural study tour aimed at exposing them to modern farming technologies, value addition practices and agribusiness opportunities.
The farmers were officially flagged off on Wednesday at dfcu Bank’s head office in Nakasero in a ceremony attended by representatives from the bank, the Embassy of the Netherlands, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, De Heus Koudijs Nutrition BV, Vision Group and the New Vision Foundation.
The group, comprising Kiwana Kasirye, Dr Richard Wemesa, Pison Busingye, Patrick Olobo, Zubair Mukaaya, Ann Anguyo, Joan Kantu, Charles Oyuk, Nelly Turyamuhebwa, Alfred Ojok, John Okwang of Alito Cooperatives, Ssekayi Ashiraf of Kibinge Coffee Farmers Cooperative and Grace Natukunda of Dem Poultry Farm, will visit the Netherlands from May 30 to June 6, 2026.
During the trip, the farmers will explore modern agricultural systems, best farming practices, value addition technologies and potential business partnerships in one of the world’s leading agricultural economies.
The Best Farmers programme seeks to transform subsistence agriculture into commercially viable and globally competitive agribusinesses through international exposure, affordable financing and risk management solutions.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Annette Kiconco, Chief Retail Banking Officer at dfcu Bank, said the initiative has continued to recognize farmers who are driving innovation in Uganda’s agricultural sector.
“The Best Farmers initiative has so far recognised more than 134 outstanding farmers whose innovation and commitment continue to shape Uganda’s agricultural sector. 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,” Kiconco said.
The Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Uganda, Frederieke Quispel, hailed the programme’s impact and underscored the strong agricultural partnership between the two countries.
“The partnership between the Netherlands and Uganda is built on decades of agricultural expertise and significant financial commitment. 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,” Quispel said.
KLM Country Manager Lukia Otema congratulated the farmers on their achievements and praised their contribution to transforming Uganda’s agriculture sector.
She said the winners’ dedication over the past year had helped drive agriculture into a modern, dynamic and high-impact sector. Otema also noted that KLM was proud to support the programme, adding that its impact extends beyond recognition by creating a network of farmers committed to continuous growth and improvement.
Vision Group Chief Executive Officer Don Wanyama said the programme had strengthened agricultural ties between Uganda and the Netherlands, particularly in the livestock and seed sectors.
“Over the years, Uganda and the Netherlands have experienced steady growth in agricultural trade and business partnerships, particularly in the livestock and seed sectors. The Best Farmers competition has so far recognised and rewarded 134 outstanding farmers from across Uganda since its inception. 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,” Wanyama said.
He added that the initiative has also provided substantial financial support to farmers.
“Beyond the travel experience, the competition also offers significant financial rewards. To date, approximately UGX 1.5 billion has been awarded to farmers in cash prizes. However, we always emphasise one important condition: the money must be invested back into improving farms, technology and agricultural productivity,” he concluded.
As part of its 2025 strategy, dfcu is promoting insurance as a key pillar of agricultural sustainability. Through its Bancassurance services and partnerships such as Blue Care with Jubilee Health Insurance, the bank offers protection for both farming assets and farmers themselves, helping safeguard businesses against health emergencies and equipment breakdowns.
Now in its 12th year, the Best Farmers initiative has recognised and empowered more than 134 farmers for their contribution to agribusiness growth and food security in Uganda.
Through dfcu Foundation and related support programmes, more than 1,200 agribusinesses have received assistance, directly and indirectly benefiting over 59,000 people across the country. The initiative has also facilitated financial linkages worth more than USD 22 million, improving access to investment and financing opportunities.
In the first quarter of the year alone, dfcu disbursed UGX 58 billion to 136 farmers, reinforcing its commitment to agricultural transformation. Beneficiaries continue to access financing at interest rates as low as 12 percent per annum, with fixed pricing and flexible repayment schedules tailored to agricultural production cycles.
The financing supports a range of investments including farm inputs, irrigation systems, tractors and warehouse construction.
