Don Wanyama (3rd Right), Chief Executive Officer of Vision Group; Guido Stevens-Koudijs, Uganda Country Manager; Mathias Jumba (3rd Left), Head of Integrated Channels at DFCU Bank, together with the team, pose for a group photo during the launch event in Buikwe
The 2026 Best Farmers Competition was officially launched yesterday at the De Heus Koudijs Nutrition livestock and fish feed production facility in Njeru, Buikwe District, with a strong call for Ugandan farmers to adopt commercial farming, strengthen cooperatives and embrace modern agricultural technologies. The competition, now in its 12th edition, has grown into a major national platform that promotes agriculture as a business rather than just a source of subsistence. Vision Group Chief Executive Officer Don Wanyama said the initiative, implemented in partnership with the Government of the Netherlands, has so far recognised more than 130 outstanding farmers across the country, many of whom have benefited from exposure visits to the Netherlands to learn modern farming practices.
“Over the years, this competition has grown in leaps and bounds. It is not just about rewarding farmers, but about building capacity, promoting innovation and encouraging Ugandans to embrace farming as a business,” Wanyama said.
By the end of 2026, another 13 winners will travel to the Netherlands. More than sh1.65 billion has already been awarded in cash prizes over the years, helping farmers invest in modern equipment and technology, improve efficiency, and transform their enterprises.
According to Wanyama, Vision Group also contributes about sh2 billion annually in media coverage, mobilisation, and organisational support to sustain the competition.
Mathias-Jumba-Head-of-Integrated-Channels-DFCU- Bank
“This year’s expanded structure recognises small, medium, and large-scale farmers, as well as cooperatives, reflecting the changing nature of Uganda’s agriculture,” Wanyama added. The theme for this year is Farming as a Business; Growth, Commercialization and Cooperatives.
Representing the Deputy Ambassador of the Netherlands to Uganda, Andrew Byaruhanga said the competition has strengthened agricultural cooperation between Uganda and the Netherlands by exposing farmers to modern practices, new ideas, and investment opportunities.
“Looking back, we have seen farmers learn new practices, build partnerships, and even attract investments. This shows the value of exposure and knowledge exchange,” Byaruhanga said. He also called for increased participation of women and youth in agriculture, noting their key role in the sector.
DFCU Bank Head of Integrated Channels, Mathias Jumba, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting agriculture as a core pillar of Uganda’s economy.
“For over 60 years, DFCU Bank has walked alongside Ugandans building lives and businesses from the ground up, and nothing is more foundational to that mission than agriculture,” Jumba said. He added that the competition proves that farming can be enterprise, not just subsistence.
“The farmers we celebrate today are keeping records, adding value, branding their products, and building businesses that can scale,” he said. By the close of 2024, DFCU had supported over 1,200 agribusiness enterprises, reached 59,000 beneficiaries, facilitated over sh81billion ($22m) in business linkages, and connected 5,000 enterprises to formal financial services, 52% of whom are women.
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Country Manager Lukia Otema said the airline is proud to support a platform that celebrates agricultural excellence and sustainability, noting that farmers play a central role in feeding communities and linking Uganda to global markets.
Dr Emma Naluyima, a judge and former Best Farmer winner, urged farmers to embrace discipline, proper record-keeping, banking, and cooperative action to succeed in modern agriculture.
“Farming must be approached as a business, not just a way of survival. Farmers must bank, keep records and work in groups to grow and compete effectively,” Naluyima said. She also praised the competition for recognising cooperatives, highlighting how collective action helps farmers to access better inputs, negotiate prices, and reach wider markets.
Koudijs Uganda Country Manager Guido Stevens said the company’s investment in local feed production reflects confidence in Uganda’s agricultural future, stressing that supporting farmers through quality inputs, knowledge, and long-term partnerships is key to building a sustainable agricultural sector.
The 2026 competition will award 13 winners, including 10 regional farmers and three cooperatives, with financial prizes and study trips to the Netherlands for exposure to advanced agricultural systems and technologies.
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