Agriculture
Stanbic Launches Six-Month Programme to Boost Horticulture Farming in Albertine Region
The Stanbic Business Incubator Limited (SBIL), a subsidiary of Stanbic Uganda Holdings Limited, has launched a six-month capacity-building programme aimed at equipping 30 commercial horticulture farmers in Hoima, Kikuube, and Buliisa districts with modern farming and agribusiness skills.
The Albertine Agribusiness Development Programme (ADP), officially launched at Entuiga Cottages in Hoima, is being implemented in partnership with the Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC) and the Bunyoro Kitara Kingdom. The initiative is designed to integrate local farmers into Uganda’s growing oil and gas value chain as suppliers of fresh produce.
SBIL Chief Executive Catherine Poran said the programme will focus on enhancing productivity, sustainability, and market access for farmers. “The initiative aims to transform agriculture in Uganda’s Albertine region by improving productivity, sustainability, and market access. During the six months, our training will focus on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), climate-smart farming, and agribusiness. We also aim to improve market linkages by connecting farmers with buyers in the oil and gas sector,” she explained.
The programme will feature practical training, including site visits, financial literacy sessions, and guidance on quality standards and financial products available through Stanbic Bank. Poran emphasised that the initiative particularly targets women and youth farmers, aiming to foster sustainable agribusiness growth and broader economic development.
Peter Bintu, Head of National Content at UNOC, described the programme as a strategic opportunity for community development. “We hope that the beneficiaries will share the knowledge and skills they acquire, ultimately impacting at least 300 smallholder farmers. Sharing knowledge enhances skills in a collaborative environment,” he said.
Representing the Bunyoro Kingdom, Moses Atuha urged farmers to embrace organic farming practices and avoid genetically modified foods, while calling for government support in agricultural mechanisation for large-scale production.
Khadijah Nyaketcho, one of the programme’s beneficiaries, highlighted the importance of collective action among farmers. “When working together, we increase our bargaining power. Individual farmers are often exploited by middlemen, who offer minimal returns for their products because they lack support to negotiate better prices,” she said.
Hoima District Production Officer, Dr. Charles Kajura, stressed the need for a regulated supply chain system to address exploitation challenges. “We need to develop an aggregation system for production. Suppliers often deal in large volumes and require consistency. We also need to address commodity pricing; many farmers have complained about receiving very low offers. The government cannot solely rely on processors and suppliers for this; we need to intervene and regulate this aspect,” he noted.
The ADP represents a significant step towards improving commercial horticulture in Uganda’s Albertine region by equipping farmers with the knowledge, skills, and market access needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving economic landscape.
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