Uganda Breweries Limited (UBL), in partnership with Aidenvironment and local stakeholders under the Elgon Pamoja initiative, is transforming farming communities in the Mt. Elgon catchment through access to clean water, sustainable energy and regenerative farming support.
During a recent field visit across Kapchorwa, Bukwo, Kween and Bulambuli districts, communities showcased functioning water tanks, biogas digesters, manure management systems and soil conservation measures that are already improving crop yields, household incomes and public health.
Since 2024, UBL has invested more than UGX 1 billion in the Elgon Pamoja programme. The initiative supports critical soil conservation, ecosystem restoration and sustainable land management practices aimed at improving water retention, reducing erosion and safeguarding agricultural productivity.
At the centre of the transformation are rainwater harvesting tanks installed at strategic community and household points, providing reliable clean water for domestic use and small-scale irrigation. The improved access has reduced the long hours women and children previously spent fetching water, while also lowering the risk of waterborne diseases.
At household level, biogas digesters are helping families convert animal and crop waste into clean cooking gas and nutrient-rich organic slurry. The initiative is reducing dependence on firewood while promoting cleaner and healthier cooking environments.
Farmers trained under the programme are using compost and organic manure slurry to restore soil fertility, improve moisture retention and naturally increase crop yields. These efforts are reinforced by contour terraces, tree planting and riparian restoration projects designed to curb soil erosion, stabilize slopes and protect key water sources across the region.
UBL currently works with more than 5,850 farmers across the Mt. Elgon region, sourcing barley, sorghum and maize through its local supply chain. The programme supports over 11,500 acres under cultivation and continues to expand sustainable farming practices across major agricultural communities.
“Our goal is to build resilient farming communities while strengthening sustainable local sourcing,” said Yudaya Anita, Market Specialist at Uganda Breweries Limited and Agronomy Manager for the Elgon region.
“When farmers have access to water, cleaner energy and improved farming practices, families earn more, communities become healthier and agriculture becomes more sustainable for future generations,” she added.
Anita noted that the Elgon Pamoja framework specifically targets key growing hubs to promote long-term self-sufficiency.
For many farmers, the programme has already brought visible change.
Alex, a farmer from Benet Sub-county in Kween District, described his transition to commercial barley farming as life-changing.
“My farming journey started in 2001 with maize, but it did not help me much because it takes a long time to mature. Since I switched to barley farming, my life has completely changed. I have expanded my land, built houses and comfortably pay school fees for my children,” he said.
“In our community, barley is now called the ‘school fees crop’ because it provides reliable income. A farmer can earn up to UGX 8 million within three months.”
In Bukwo District, farmers say the combination of infrastructure support and reliable market access has helped communities recover from years of erratic weather and declining soil productivity.
“We used to walk long distances to fetch dirty water,” said Sophie, a 62-year-old sorghum farmer from Bukwo.
“Since our village received a communal water tank, terraces and a household biogas unit, our children are healthier, our crops perform better and we now have a stable market through UBL. Our soil retains rainwater better, we cook using clean biogas and I sell more sorghum to the brewery.”
Chemutai, another barley farmer who benefited from the newly constructed water tanks, said the project has significantly improved her family’s daily life.
“We were very happy to be selected for the water tank project. I thank UBL and Aidenvironment because this has made our lives easier. Previously, we spent a lot of money and time traveling long distances just to get water,” she said.
The Elgon Pamoja initiative continues to demonstrate how corporate supply chains can grow alongside community empowerment and environmental conservation.
Early data from participating communities shows a 30 to 40 percent increase in crop yields on demonstration plots, alongside a sharp decline in fuelwood consumption in areas where biogas systems are operational. Household health indicators have also improved steadily due to access to clean and reliable water sources.
Nationally, more than 1,100 households are already benefiting from UBL’s wider solar and rainwater harvesting programmes.
By strengthening the Mt. Elgon catchment area, the Elgon Pamoja project is helping secure long-term supply chain sustainability for key brewing raw materials while building stronger resilience against climate change and environmental degradation.
