The 11th edition of the Best Farmers Competition was officially launched on Wednesday at Prime Agro Farm in Zirobwe, Luweero District, spotlighting the theme “Value Addition with Focus on Large-Scale Farmers and Cooperatives.”
The competition, now a cornerstone in Uganda’s agricultural calendar, is spearheaded by dfcu Bank in partnership with Vision Group, the Embassy of the Netherlands, KLM, and Koudjis. This year’s launch took place at the farm of Sebastian Ruta Ngambwa, the 2023 Best Farmer, whose success story has become a source of inspiration for many.
“Winning the Best Farmers competition and traveling to the Netherlands changed my perspective,” Ngambwa shared during the launch. “It encouraged me to scale operations at Prime Agro Farm, which now has 250 cows—45 of which produce up to 900 liters of milk each day.”
Since joining the initiative in 2014, dfcu Bank has been a consistent champion of agricultural transformation through financing and innovation. Mathias Jumba, Head of Integrated Channels at dfcu, said, “As a Ugandan bank, we are proud to walk alongside our farmers. Through tailored products like agricultural loans and asset financing, we empower thousands to expand their operations and access new markets.”
The 2025 competition places a strong emphasis on value addition—a critical step in improving both quality and profitability for farmers. Participants from across Uganda’s regions will be required to demonstrate how they process, package, and brand their products.
According to dfcu’s Agriculture Sector Head, Alex Madolo, this approach aims to drive improvements in post-harvest handling and ensure farmers earn more from their produce.
“We are proud to witness the transformation of farmers through access to finance, training, and innovation. At dfcu Bank, we are more than just a financial partner—we’re part of the journey,” Madolo said.
This year introduces new categories to the competition, including Large-Scale Farmers, Small and Medium-Scale Farmers, and Farmer Cooperatives, broadening its impact and inclusivity.
Representing the Embassy of the Netherlands, Deputy Ambassador Joost van Ettro highlighted the power of collaboration in achieving agricultural transformation.
“The Best Farmers Competition was built on the belief that farming is a viable business. It’s rewarding to see how much it has grown and how it continues to elevate Uganda’s agribusiness landscape,” he said.
Stevens Guido, Country Manager of Koudjis Uganda, praised the vision behind Prime Agro Farm and the importance of continued investment.
“This farm represents the future—family-owned, expanding, and deeply invested in community development. It’s encouraging to see this level of ambition in Ugandan agriculture,” he noted.
The Best Farmers Competition continues to play a pivotal role in recognizing and rewarding excellence in farming. As it enters its second decade, the initiative remains committed to turning farms into thriving agribusinesses—and farmers into national icons.
