Apple farming transforms livelihoods amid growing challenges in Rubanda

By Jane Elizabeth Umutangana

RUBANDA, May 17, 2026 — Apple farming is steadily transforming livelihoods in the hilly Rubanda district, with many farmers earning improved incomes from the once-uncommon fruit crop. However, despite the growing profits, farmers continue to grapple with diseases, water shortages and limited access to seedlings, challenges they warn could threaten the future of apple production in the area.

An increasing number of residents in the cold district have embraced apple growing as an alternative source of income to traditional crops like sweet potatoes, sorghum, and Irish potatoes. Although the enterprise is still developing within the Kigezi Sub-region, farmers say it has significantly improved household incomes and living standards.

Chairperson of the Rubanda Apple Farmers Association, Joab Ndyomugyenyi, says apple farming has proved more profitable than many other agricultural activities in the district.

“A single apple tree can earn a farmer up to Shs 150,000, which makes apple growing one of the most valuable enterprises for households seeking a stable source of income,” Ndyomugyenyi noted.

He revealed that the government, through the National Agricultural Research Organisation [NARO], previously distributed about 10,000 apple seedlings to farmers in Rubanda, a move he says encouraged many residents to venture into fruit farming.

Ndyomugyenyi commended the government for the support, noting that many farmers would not have afforded the seedlings on their own because each seedling costs about Shs10,000.

“The support from government gave many farmers the confidence to start apple farming because buying the seedlings individually was too expensive for most households,” he explained.

However, he noted that demand for seedlings has continued to rise as more people become aware of the benefits of apple farming. He appealed to the government to provide another batch of seedlings so that more farmers can benefit from the enterprise.

Despite the progress registered, farmers say diseases remain one of the biggest threats affecting apple production. Ndyomugyenyi explained that diseases attack the trees and reduce both the quality and quantity of harvested fruits.

He called upon government and agricultural researchers to intensify research into apple diseases and find lasting solutions to help farmers protect their orchards.

Apart from diseases, water scarcity remains another major challenge, especially during the dry season. Farmers say apple trees require adequate water to grow well, yet most orchards are located on hillsides while water sources remain deep in the valleys, making irrigation difficult and costly.

“During prolonged dry spells, some trees dry up and the fruits become smaller, which greatly reduces farmers’ earnings,” Ndyomugyenyi said.

He appealed to President Yoweri Museveni and the government to improve water supply systems in Rubanda to enable farmers sustain production throughout the year.

Meanwhile, Dr Roland Agaba from the National Agricultural Research Organisation [NARO] acknowledged that apple farmers are battling diseases such as scab and leaf spot, among others.

Agaba said farmers are being trained in proper spraying techniques, the use of pesticides and better orchard management practices to ensure healthier trees and improved harvests.

“We are equipping farmers with the knowledge and skills needed to manage apple diseases through proper spraying, use of recommended pesticides and good orchard management practices,” Agaba said.

He encouraged farmers to work closely with NARO extension workers to receive guidance on the proper care and management of their orchards.

Agaba also noted that farmers are gradually embracing value addition by processing apples into products such as juice and wine, which could further increase household incomes in the future.

Farmers say apples currently sell for between Shs 500 and Shs 1,500 depending on the size and quality of the fruit, making the enterprise increasingly attractive despite the existing challenges.

Although apple farming in Rubanda is still at a developing stage, farmers remain optimistic that with increased government support, more research, improved irrigation systems and continuous sensitisation, the enterprise could become one of the leading income-generating activities in the district.

https://thecooperator.news/kasese-apple-growers-decry-lack-of-market-for-their-produce/

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