Luweero, Uganda — In a groundbreaking move to revolutionize Uganda’s agricultural sector, dfcu Bank, in collaboration with Vision Group, KLM, the Embassy of the Netherlands in Uganda, and Koudjis, on Wednesday launched the 11th edition of the Best Farmers Competition.
Held at the esteemed Prime Agro Farm owned by Sebastian Ruta Ngabwa, the winner of the 2023 edition of the Best Farmers Competition in Zirobwe, Luweero District, this year’s competition shines a spotlight on the theme: “Value Addition with Focus on Large-Scale Farmers and Cooperatives.”
This initiative is more than just a competition—it’s a platform for transformation.
By emphasizing value addition, the program aims to inspire farmers to innovate in processing, packaging, and branding, thereby enhancing the quality and marketability of their produce.
The focus on large-scale farmers and cooperatives underscores the importance of collaboration and scalability in driving agricultural success.
Speaking at the launch, Mathias Jumba, Head of Integrated Channels at dfcu Bank, highlighted the competition’s role in turning agriculture from a means of survival into a pathway to prosperity.
“For over a decade, this initiative has not only celebrated excellence but also empowered farmers with the tools and knowledge to thrive in a competitive market,” he remarked.
He noted that the focus on large-scale farmers and cooperatives underscores the importance of collaboration and scalability in driving agricultural success.
”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.
He added, “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, Sector Head, Agriculture at dfcu Bank noted, ‘’We are privileged to witness the transformation of farmers’ lives and livelihoods through access to finance and training. At dfcu 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 also 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.”
The event also featured success stories from past winners, showcasing how access to finance, training, and market opportunities has transformed their operations. Sebastian Ruta Ngabwa, the 2023 winner, shared his journey of leveraging value addition to scale his farm’s productivity and profitability.
For 2025, new competition categories including, Large-Scale Farmers, Small and Medium-Scale Farmers and Farmer Cooperatives have been added to the initiative.
Through its agricultural sector support arm, the dfcu Foundation, dfcu Bank has made significant contributions to the development of the agricultural sector in Uganda. Strides in transforming Uganda’s agribusiness.
As of December 31st, 2024, the Centre recorded remarkable achievements in empowering agribusiness enterprises and farmers across the country.
As Uganda continues to position itself as a leader in agricultural innovation, the Best Farmers Competition serves as a beacon of hope and progress. By fostering a culture of excellence and sustainability, it paves the way for a brighter future for farmers, their families, and the nation at large
About DFCU
dfcu was established in 1964 as a development finance institution. Over the years dfcu 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.
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
