Hundreds attend 13th Annual Agribusiness Expo in Masindi
The two-day event, which took place from Friday to Saturday, was organised by Masindi District Local Government in partnership with the East African Grain Council
MASINDI, June 23, 2025 –– Hundreds of participants, including smallholder farmers, agripreneurs, policymakers, researchers, processors, and traders, took part in the 13th Annual Agribusiness Expo, held at Kihonda Demonstration Farm in Labongo Sub-county, Masindi district.
The two-day event, which took place from Friday to Saturday, was organised by Masindi District Local Government in partnership with the East African Grain Council [EAGC], under the theme “Fostering Wealth Creation, Resilience and Sustainable Agriculture through Agribusiness and Innovation.”
This year’s Expo attracted 32 exhibitors and brought together over 1,500 smallholder farmers from across the Bunyoro sub-region. Activities included field demonstrations, training sessions, and direct buyer-seller engagements – all aimed at unlocking the economic potential of Uganda’s smallholder farmers through structured trade, innovation, and strategic partnerships.
Many farmers expressed appreciation for the exposure to emerging technologies in agriculture.
“We are seeing so many new technologies in the agricultural sector. I want to thank the organisers for exposing us to these innovations. It’s a big opportunity to learn,” said Erivaider Kugonza, a farmer from Kyarumbeiha Village in Pakanyi Sub-county and a beneficiary of the Parish Development Model [PDM], a government initiative aimed at transitioning 3.5 million households from subsistence to a money economy.
Kugonza, who exhibited bananas, maize, poultry, and vegetables, credited the Expo with helping her adopt better agronomic practices.
“Some of the produce you see here is thanks to government support through PDM. I acquired a small irrigation system that I now use for growing vegetables. Farmers who participate in this Expo never remain the same,” she added.
Charles Asiimwe, a farmer from Kinuuma Village in Miirya Sub-county, also benefited from PDM, receiving Shs 1 million which he invested in beekeeping.
“I’m now harvesting at least 20 litres of honey. I came to this Expo to learn more about packaging and branding. I first learned how to produce quality honey here in 2019, and I’ve never looked back,” he said.
Amos Bamulanzeki, from Kirasa Cell in Masindi Municipality, used PDM funds to purchase a dairy cow.
“I’m also involved in beekeeping and fruit farming. Most of the good agricultural practices I follow, I learned from this Expo. I’m grateful to the East African Grain Council and Masindi District Local Government for consistently organising it. We get everything we need without having to travel far,” he noted.
David Mutazindwa, Chairperson of the EAGC, emphasised the Expo’s role in shaping the future of agriculture.
“The Western Region Expo has become a catalyst for innovation. Year after year, it showcases climate-smart technologies, promotes good agricultural practices, and opens up market opportunities that go beyond Uganda’s borders,” he said.
Mutazindwa noted EAGC’s commitment to structured grain systems, supporting farmers through Grain Business Hubs [G-Hubs], and digital tools like the G-Soko platform.
“We are transforming how farmers aggregate produce, access inputs, and connect with markets. We also provide ongoing training to help farmers and traders thrive. However, we still face challenges such as limited access to finance, weak infrastructure, aflatoxin contamination, and low adoption of improved seeds and technologies,” he added.
He called on government, development partners, financial institutions, civil society, and the private sector to join efforts in building systems that support knowledge transfer and regional market integration.
Paul Ochuna, EAGC Country Manager, highlighted the Expo’s alignment with Uganda’s development goals.
“This Expo directly supports Uganda’s agenda on agricultural commercialisation, irrigation, and export promotion. It serves as a rallying point for agritech firms, financial institutions, government bodies, and development partners to collaborate and create an enabling environment for agribusiness growth,” he said.
Ochuna also pointed out Masindi’s strategic location as an agricultural hub and gateway to regional markets in South Sudan, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Lema Baraka, Commercial Manager of a seed company producing SC555 and SC419 maize varieties, praised the Expo as an important platform for connecting with farmers.
“This Expo helps us showcase our products and engage directly with the farmers, helping them understand and adopt new seed varieties,” he explained.
James Balikurungi, LCIII Chairperson of Labongo Sub-county – home to the Kihonda Demonstration Farm – highlighted the Expo’s local impact.
“This event benefits our sub-county by creating a market for goods and boosting local revenue. Farmers learn best practices and can sell their products. I encourage all stakeholders to continue supporting and attending this Expo,” he said.
Dr Fred Ssebuzi, Acting District Production and Marketing Officer, said the Expo contributes to both increased production and improved quality of agricultural produce.
“It provides a platform to meet agro-input dealers, financial institutions, and other stakeholders. Beneficiaries of initiatives like PDM are also able to learn and adopt practical skills,” he noted.
The Expo continues to serve as a key platform for innovation, learning, and networking in Uganda’s agricultural sector.
https://thecooperator.news/cbs-fm-to-mark-29-years-with-major-trade-and-agribusiness-fairs/
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