Hoima, Uganda – In a major push to strengthen agribusiness in Uganda’s Albertine region, Stanbic Business Incubator Limited (SBIL), in partnership with the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) and Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom, has launched a six-month capacity-building programme for 30 commercial horticulture farmers across Hoima, Kikuube, and Buliisa districts. The Albertine Agribusiness Development Programme (ADP), inaugurated at Entuiga Cottages in Hoima, aims to equip farmers with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in modern agriculture and tap into opportunities within the oil and gas sector.
SBIL Chief Executive Catherine Poran emphasized that the programme seeks to transform agriculture by improving productivity, sustainability, and market access. “Our training focuses on Good Agricultural Practices, climate-smart farming, and agribusiness, while also enhancing financial literacy and connecting farmers with buyers in the oil and gas sector,” Poran said. Participants will benefit from practical site visits, guidance on quality standards, and access to financial products through Stanbic Bank, integrating them into broader economic value chains and promoting sustainable growth.
Peter Bintu, Head of National Content at UNOC, highlighted the broader impact of the initiative. “This programme will equip the initial beneficiaries to share their knowledge with at least 300 smallholder farmers, creating a ripple effect of skills and collaboration in the region,” he said. Moses Atuha, representing Bunyoro Kingdom, encouraged farmers to adopt organic methods and avoid genetically modified crops while calling for government investment in agricultural mechanisation to support large-scale farming.
Farmers participating in the programme have expressed optimism about the benefits of collective action. Khadijah Nyaketcho, one of the beneficiaries, noted, “Working together increases our bargaining power. Individual farmers are often exploited by middlemen, who offer minimal returns because we lack support to negotiate better prices.”
Dr. Charles Kajura, Hoima District Production Officer, emphasized the need for a regulated supply chain to ensure fair pricing and consistent delivery to buyers. “Suppliers often demand large volumes and consistency. A proper aggregation system, coupled with government regulation of commodity pricing, is essential for our farmers to thrive,” he said.
The ADP initiative represents a strategic investment in Uganda’s agricultural sector, targeting both smallholder and commercial farmers. By equipping participants with modern farming techniques, financial literacy, and market linkages, the programme aims to foster sustainable agribusiness, increase productivity, and strengthen local economic growth, while empowering women and youth.