AMOLATAR, October 6, 2026 — Acii Bee Farmers Group in Amolatar district has received beehives and other equipment worth Shs 32.5 million under the Uganda Climate Smart Agriculture Transformation Project [UCSATP].
The equipment was handed over to the group in Acii Subcounty on Monday during a ceremony held at the Amolatar District Production Department.
Diversification key to resilience
Speaking at the handover, Assistant Resident District Commissioner Sarah Tyan commended the area farmers for venturing into beekeeping, describing it as a profitable agricultural enterprise.
She urged farmers across the district to diversify their activities in response to changing weather patterns, saying this would help reduce the risks associated with crop failure.
“Government is promoting climate-smart agriculture to help farmers move from subsistence to commercial agriculture. This is a good project, and Amolatar District should embrace it,” Tyan said.
She added: “Given the changing weather patterns, it is clear that we need to diversify our production if we are to survive. Some farmers have tried crop production but suffered losses because of drought. I therefore encourage farmers to consider other enterprises such as poultry, beekeeping and fish farming.”
Tyan urged the beneficiaries to use the equipment responsibly and ensure that the project improves their household incomes.
The Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, Geoffrey Vuciri, advised the beneficiaries to properly maintain and protect the beehives and other equipment to ensure the sustainability of their enterprise.
Vuciri commended the Government for introducing the co-funding model under the climate-smart agriculture programme, through which farmers contribute 20 percent of the project cost while the Government provides 80 percent.
“It is a good initiative because it promotes ownership among beneficiaries, unlike programmes where the Government provides 100 percent of the support,” he said.
Farmers urged to form cooperative
The District Production and Marketing Officer, Francis Ojok, urged the farmers to form a cooperative society to enable them to undertake value addition and negotiate better prices for their products.
Ojok pledged continued extension support, including training and monitoring, to help the group address challenges that may affect its beekeeping enterprise.
“We shall train you and monitor your performance. Make sure you put this equipment to good use. A lot of resources are being invested in farmer groups, and we want to see a positive impact in the communities,” he said.
Amolatar is among 69 districts implementing the Uganda Climate Smart Agriculture Transformation Project, which seeks to increase agricultural productivity, improve market access and strengthen the resilience of selected value chains.
The World Bank-funded project also aims to strengthen the capacity of communities and institutions to respond promptly and effectively to crises and emergencies affecting agricultural production.
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