PDM beneficiaries dominate Masindi agribusiness expo

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Erivaider Kugonza credits the Parish Development Model (PDM) and annual agribusiness exhibitions with transforming her livelihood. 

The farmer from Kyarumbeiha village in Pakanyi sub-county, Masindi district, who has been a PDM beneficiary since 2023, invested her shillings one million in maize and vegetable farming, leveraging the program’s support to build a sustainable income.

Speaking to New Vision Online at the 13th Annual Agribusiness Expo in Masindi, Kugonza said participating in the exhibition for the last 10 years has equipped her with advanced agronomic skills. “This platform has taught me modern farming techniques and connected me to resources like my small-scale irrigation system, which has revolutionised my vegetable production,” she said.

Erivaider Kugonza a PDM beneficiary showcasing her products at the Expo. (Photo by Yosam Gucwaki)

Kugonza showcased her bananas, maize, poultry and vegetables at the expo, emphasising that government support through PDM enabled her success. “Farmers who engage with these exhibitions never remain the same. The knowledge gained here boosts yields and incomes”.

Her farm now generates steady revenue:  The irrigation system ensures all year-round vegetable harvests, while her maize and dairy ventures provide additional income. Kugonza’s story exemplifies how combining PDM funding with expo-driven education can uplift smallholder farmers, fostering both personal and community-wide economic growth.

Charles Asiimwe, a farmer from Kinuuma village in Miirya sub-county, also got shillings one million under PDM and invested in apiary.

He said he can harvest at least 20 litres of honey, adding that he now wants to learn how to package and also brand.

"I have come to showcase honey. I started producing with the support of the Government through PDM. I got knowledge of producing quality honey from here in 2019, and I am not regretting. This exhibition is very significant to a farmer because you learn what you didn't know," he said.

Amos Bamulanzeki, a farmer from Kirasa cell in Masindi municipality, said he received PDM cash and bought a dairy cow.

"I am also in apiary and fruits growing, but most of the best agricultural skills I use, I acquired them from here," he noted.

Several PDM beneficiaries from different sub-counties participated in the expo and showcased different products.

The 13^th edition of the Western Region Agribusiness Expo is organised by the Masindi district local government in partnership with the East African Grain Council (EAGC) at Kihonda Demonstration Farm in Labongo every June. 

This year's two-day agribusiness Expo, which started on Friday, June 20, 2025, was hosted under the theme: Fostering Wealth Creation, Resilience and Sustainable Agriculture through Agribusiness and Innovation.

It brought together 32 exhibitors and over 1,500 smallholder farmers from across the Bunyoro sub-region.

EAGC chairperson David Mutazindwa said the expo "has become a catalyst for innovation. Year after year, it showcases climate-smart technologies, promotes good agricultural practices and opens up market opportunities that extend beyond Uganda's borders."

EAGC country manager Paul Ochuna said the expo aligns agriculture with the national development agenda.

Labongo LC3 chairperson James Balikurungi said because of the expo, "we get local revenue. People learn best agricultural practices and also farmers are able to sell their products."

Dr. Fred Ssebuzi, the acting district production and marketing officer of Masindi district, said the expo helps to increase production and also improves the quality and the quality of the agricultural produce.