Transforming Uganda’s agricultural sector; dfcu Bank, Vision Group, KLM, Koudjis and Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands launch 11th edition of Best Farmers competition
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I The 11th Edition of the Best Farmers Competition has been unveiled by dfcu with its partners that include the Vision Group, KLM, Embassy of Netherlands in Uganda, and Koudjis.
The launch ceremony was held at Prime Agro Farm in Zirobwe, Luweero District on Wednesday, at a farm owned by Sebastian Ruta Ngabwa, the winner of the 2023 edition of the Best Farmers Competition.
The theme of the year is “Value Addition with Focus on Large Scale Farmers and Cooperatives.’’
According to officials, over the years, the competition has significantly contributed to increased agricultural production on farms countrywide. This year, the focus shifts towards value addition, with an emphasis on enhancing the quality and marketability of farm outputs.
dfcu Bank joins Vision Group, KLM, Koudjis and Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands to launch 2025 Best Framers Competition
Mathias Jumba, the Head of Integrated Channels at dfcu said that all the winners from the various sub-regions will be required to showcase how they add value to their products, demonstrating innovations in processing, packaging, or branding.
“Through this approach, the competition aims to promote proper post-harvest handling practices and ensure that farmers maximize returns from their produce.”
Jumba further noted that the Best Farmers Competition celebrates Uganda’s most impactful farmers, and in doing so, inspires many more to turn agriculture from mere survival to sustainable prosperity.
“For over 60 years, dfcu has been a steadfast partner to Uganda’s farmers and agribusinesses. Our focus was, and remains: to bridge the financing gap, support value chains, and uplift both large-scale agribusinesses and smallholder farmers across all regions of this country,” he said.
Uganda’s Top Farmers to Shine as dfcu Bank, Vision Group, KLM, Koudjis and Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands launch 2025 Best Farmers Competition
He added that through innovations such as agricultural loans and asset financing, the bank has provided not only capital but also a strong foundation for growth and expansion to thousands of farmers.
“As a result, farmers now have better access to markets, infrastructure, and expertise, enabling them to scale their operations and achieve their dreams.”
Alex Madolo, the Sector Head, Agriculture at dfcu Bank noted that the competition signals the transformation of farmers’ lives and livelihoods through access to finance and training.
“At the bank, we see ourselves not just as a financial services provider, but as a committed partner in the growth and success of businesses across Uganda,” he said.
He applauded the sponsoring partners of the initiative, who have been a part of its 11-year journey. “Vision Group, the Embassy of the Netherlands, KLM, Koudijs have remained committed to this vision of Transforming the lives of agriculture practitioners, their families, communities and businesses.”
New competition categories have been introduced in 2025. These include Large-Scale Farmers, Small and Medium-Scale Farmers and Farmer Cooperatives.
dfcu Bank, Vision Group, KLM, Koudjis and Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands unveil Best Farmers Competition New Participation Categories
Through its agricultural sector support arm, the dfcu Foundation, dfcu Bank has made significant contributions to the development of the agricultural sector in Uganda.
As of December 31st, 2024, the Centre recorded remarkable achievements in empowering agribusiness enterprises and farmers across the country.
Key achievements include
- Support to 1,281 agribusiness enterprises through a combination of debt financing and capacity-building programs aimed at enhancing productivity and operational efficiency.
- Acceleration support for 490 enterprises, enabling them to scale and sustain growth through tailored mentorship and business development interventions.
- A 52% women inclusion rate achieved since 2018, underscoring the Foundation’s commitment to promoting gender equality and empowering women in agribusiness.
- A total outreach of 59,000 beneficiaries, demonstrating a far-reaching impact on the sector through training, advisory services, and financial inclusion.
- Facilitation of over $22 million in business linkages, fostering stronger market access, trade opportunities, and commercial partnerships.
- Connection of over 5,000 enterprises to financial services, including access to credit and banking solutions, helping drive growth and resilience among agribusinesses.
dfcu was established in 1964 as a development finance institution. Over the years, it has been associated with many success stories in Uganda’s economy in various sectors including agribusiness, communication, education, health, manufacturing, tourism, real estate, mining, construction, transport, trade and commerce, among others.
A dfcu Bank officials addressing delegates
Key Milestones
1964: dfcu Limited established by the Government of Uganda and the CDC
1999: Bought Uganda Leasing Company, renamed it dfcu Leasing.
2000: Bought Global Trust Bank, renamed it dfcu Bank, and started commercial banking.
2004: dfcu Limited was listed on the Uganda Securities Exchange.
2008: Merged its two businesses (Development Finance and dfcu Bank) to create a “one-stop shop “under dfcu Bank.
2007: Launched dfcu Women In Business
2013: Realignment of shareholders bringing on board a strategic partner – Rabobank, with significant experience in
agribusiness
2014: Consolidated business operations into our Head Office – dfcu Towers.
2014: dfcu Bank acquired some assets and took over some liabilities of Global Trust Bank (In Liquidation)
2015: Launched the Women In Business Advisory Centre
2016: Aligned shareholding with Rabobank, Norfund and FMO combining to form Arise which is committed to strengthening and developing effective, inclusive financial systems in Africa with a long-term perspective.
