KWEEN, Uganda — Farmers in Uganda’s Kween District are praising Uganda Breweries for providing a stable market for their barley, significantly boosting their incomes.
The farmers’ sentiments were expressed during a meeting with Uganda Breweries officials last Friday.
Patrick Mangusho, a barley farmer from Kaplamai, credited the crop for helping him complete his university education in 2017.
“Barley farming has greatly impacted my life,” Mangusho said. “I used the money from this crop to complete my university education, and I’ve also been able to lend money to fellow farmers during financial crises.”
Mangusho added that he has expanded his business by buying barley and other crops from fellow farmers, allowing him to sell onions and Irish potatoes in Northern Uganda.
Difas Kiplangati, another farmer from Kere village, said barley has enabled him to send his children to good schools and meet their needs.
Kiplangati reported earning around 4 million to 5 million Ugandan shillings (approximately $1,100 to $1,375 USD) per season, translating to around 10 million shillings (approximately $2,750 USD) per year.
However, the farmers cited pests, diseases, and poor road conditions as major challenges.
Andrew Kilonzo, Uganda Breweries’ managing director, emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting local farmers.
“We work with farmers to produce raw materials, which we then industrialize and market,” Kilonzo said. “This creates a positive impact on the farmers and the community.”
Kilonzo noted that Uganda Breweries sources 95% of its raw materials locally and hopes to increase this percentage if regulators address the issue of illicit alcohol.
Under its “Farm for Success” program, Uganda Breweries provides a ready market for over 35,000 farmers. Last year, the company paid out over 38 billion Ugandan shillings (approximately $10.5 million USD) to smallholder farmers, with 13 billion shillings (approximately $3.6 million USD) going to barley farmers.
