MASINDI, June 23, 2026 — More than 3,000 smallholder farmers from the Bunyoro, northern and central regions converged at Kihonda Demonstration Centre in Labongo Subcounty, Masindi district, for the 14th Agri-Business Expo aimed at promoting agricultural productivity, innovation and commercialisation.
Organised by the East African Grain Council [EAGC], the two-day event brought together more than 35 exhibitors showcasing agricultural technologies, innovations and services in agronomy, climate-smart agriculture and post-harvest management.
Held under the theme, “Promoting Resilient Food Systems for Improved Household Incomes and Food Security,” the expo provided farmers with an opportunity to learn modern farming practices, access quality agricultural inputs, and connect with market actors and financial institutions.
Isaac Atugonza, a fruit and banana farmer from Kimengo Subcounty, said the expo had created opportunities for farmers to market their produce, exchange experiences and gain new knowledge.
“This day is important for us farmers because it gives us an opportunity to meet, share ideas and experiences, access markets and acquire knowledge,” Atugonza said.
Kanaginagi Ateenyi, another farmer from Labongo Subcounty, emphasised the importance of adopting early-maturing seed varieties to mitigate the effects of increasingly unpredictable dry spells.
He said the expo had enabled farmers to learn about improved seed varieties that could help sustain production during changing weather conditions.
James Balikurungi, the LCIII Chairperson of Labongo Subcounty, noted the positive economic impact of the exhibition on the local community, saying the area had witnessed increased business activity during the two-day event.
Paul Ocuna, Programmes Manager at EAGC, reaffirmed the council’s commitment to supporting smallholder farmers through improved market access, financial inclusion and capacity building.
He stressed the need to transform Uganda’s agricultural sector from subsistence farming to a commercially driven model supported by agro-industrialisation and structured markets.
“EAGC’s key interventions include establishing grain business hubs that provide farmers with certified inputs, technical advisory services, proper storage facilities and certification,” Ocuna said.
He added that participants had gained practical knowledge on climate-smart innovations, value addition, contract farming models, aggregation strategies and market requirements.
“They have left with the tools and insights needed to shift from production for survival to production for profit and household wealth creation,” he said.
“We are proud to support Uganda’s national agenda for agricultural commercialisation, irrigation expansion and increased export competitiveness through strong partnerships with local governments, the private sector and development partners.”
Buruli County Member of Parliament Aled Ronald Akugizibwe commended EAGC for sustaining the partnership and suggested that future editions of the expo be held in August to align with planting seasons.
He also called for urgent intervention against striga weed, which continues to significantly affect maize production.
Masindi Chief Administrative Officer Samuel Ruhweza Kaija appealed for a reduction in farmer co-financing requirements under micro-scale irrigation programmes to encourage wider adoption.
Closing the event, Masindi District Vice Chairperson Bright Mugume pledged continued collaboration with EAGC to expand and strengthen the annual expo in order to reach more farmers and accelerate agricultural commercialisation across the region.
The Masindi Agribusiness Expo is an annual agricultural event organised by the Eastern Africa Grain Council in partnership with Masindi District Local Government.
Timed to coincide with the harvest season in western Uganda, the expo attracts thousands of farmers, agripreneurs and industry stakeholders. Activities include practical demonstrations in crop production, livestock farming, apiculture and aquaculture, as well as exhibitions of modern tractors and harvesting equipment.
The event also creates direct engagement opportunities between farmers, buyers, financial institutions and insurance providers, while promoting post-harvest management, value addition and awareness on identifying genuine agricultural inputs.
https://thecooperator.news/eabc-invites-cooperatives-to-investment-summit-expo-2026/
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