dfcu reaffirms commitment to transforming Uganda’s agriculture at Best Farmers Awards 2025

The Best Farmers Awards 2025 once again brought together Uganda’s most outstanding agricultural innovators, recognising resilience, creativity, and leadership across the sector, as dfcu Bank reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to transforming agriculture and uplifting farming communities nationwide.

Speaking at the awards ceremony in Kampala, dfcu Bank’s Chief Retail Banking Officer and Head of Agriculture, Annette Kiconco, highlighted the bank’s 11-year partnership with Vision Group and other stakeholders, describing it as a deliberate investment in strengthening Uganda’s agricultural value chain.

“Agriculture is one of our priority sectors, and our partnership with the Best Farmers initiative is intentional,” Kiconco said. “For us, it’s about empowering farmers with finance, knowledge, and opportunities so they can build sustainable agri-businesses.”

She underscored agriculture’s central role in Uganda’s economy, noting that the sector engages over 60% of households, employs about 70% of the labour force, and contributes 24% of GDP and 42% of export earnings, largely driven by coffee.

Kiconco also reflected on dfcu’s heritage, shaped by its founding Dutch partners—Rabobank and the Dutch Development Bank (FMO)—while emphasising the bank’s deep Ugandan identity.

“We may have Dutch roots, but we are truly Ugandan. For over 60 years, our purpose has been to transform lives and businesses,” she said.

Building Capacity and Bankability

Kiconco spotlighted the work of the dfcu Foundation, formerly the Agriculture Development Foundation under ADC, which supports SMEs and agri-led enterprises through training and mentorship. The programme equips farmers to manage agriculture as a business, adopt improved practices, and become bankable.

She cited last year’s success story of Elgon Cooperative Union in Bududa, whose founder, Godfrey Buaya, returned from a Netherlands study tour with renewed perspective. The cooperative subsequently strengthened governance, invested in modern processing facilities, and inspired transformation across the wider community.

“This is the true power of the Best Farmers initiative—knowledge that transforms not just farms, but entire communities,” Kiconco noted.

With a presence in 56 districts, including areas where dfcu is the only banking institution—such as Abim and Dokolo—the bank reaffirmed its commitment to expanding financial access in rural and agrarian communities.

She also applauded the initiative’s partners for their complementary roles:

“KLM will open markets, dfcu will finance, New Vision will tell your story, and Khoudjis will provide quality feed. This partnership is intentional and designed to uplift farmers across Uganda.”

Celebrating the 2025 Champions

The Overall Winner of the Best Farmers Awards 2025, Hood Kiwana Kasirye from Mityana, was recognised for excellence in integrated farming. His 25-acre enterprise, combining dairy cattle, layers, goats, horticulture, and mechanisation, earned him the UGX 50 million grand prize.

Guest of Honour Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, former Prime Minister of Uganda, emphasised the importance of value addition in unlocking the country’s agricultural potential.

“Value addition is critical. Uganda must feed itself, feed the region, and ultimately feed the world,” Dr. Rugunda said.

Vision Group Chief Executive Officer Don Vincent Wanyama reiterated the media house’s long-standing commitment to agriculture and acknowledged the critical support of partners including dfcu Bank, KLM, Khoudjis, and the Embassy of the Netherlands.

“Agriculture is the backbone of our economy. Through this initiative, we aim to inspire farmers, strengthen cooperatives, and uplift the country,” Wanyama said.

The 2025 Best Farmers competition, which ran from March to November, culminated in a vibrant celebration of excellence, innovation, and the vast potential of Uganda’s farming community.