Dutch NGO in Uganda to boost small businesses, farmers

KAMPALA - A delegation from Netherlands-based non-governmental organisation PUM has arrived in Uganda to assess the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and smallholder farmers across the country.

The team, currently in Kampala, will focus its support on four key sectors: food security, manufacturing, hospitality, and healthcare.

Speaking during a welcome event at her official residence in Kololo, Kampala, Netherlands Ambassador to Uganda Frederieke Quispel on July 22, 2025, said the visit is part of the Dutch commitment to supporting entrepreneurship and development in Uganda.

Netherlands Ambassador to Uganda Frederieke Quispel remarks.

“The PUM experts are here to help businesses thrive,” Quispel said.

“They are assessing the specific challenges SMEs and smallholder farmers face so they can provide tailored support.”

The Netherlands is a long-standing supporter of the annual Best Farmers Competition organised by the New Vision.

Netherlands ambassador to Uganda Frederieke Quispel and Moses Kyangwa, the founder of Busoga Health Forum, who won this year's Professional People for Positive Impact (PUM) best performance award.

Supporting entrepreneurs, growing impact

Founded in 1978 and headquartered in The Hague, PUM was established by the Confederation of Netherlands Industry and Employers (VNO-NCW) in partnership with the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It now operates in over 30 countries through a volunteer network of 1,200 seasoned professionals.

Tom Borghols, PUM’s country co-ordinator for Uganda, is leading the visiting team, alongside Laurie Reis, project officer from the Netherlands.

Moses Kyangwa, the founder of Busoga Health Forum, after winning this year's Professional People for Positive Impact (PUM) best performance award at a function held at her residence in Kololo, Kampala. (All Photos by Eddie Ssejjoba)

According to Borghols, the organisation pays for international travel, visas, and insurance for its experts, while local clients cover on-ground costs such as transportation, accommodation, and meals.

“Our experts don’t impose—they advise. Even a modest intervention can create significant impact,” Borghols said.

PUM experts provide technical and strategic support in areas including; agriculture and aquaculture, food processing & animal feed, textiles, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, environmental management & energy, education, financial management, and hospitality
PUM collaborates with business incubators, educational institutions, employer organizations, NGOs, and government agencies to expand its reach and impact.

“We work with changemakers—those who want to grow sustainably and inclusively while creating lasting value for their communities,” Borghols emphasised.

Businesses and organisations seeking support from PUM can apply through local representatives or directly via pum.nl.

Recognising local impact

During the event, Busoga Health Forum received the PUM Impact Award for its ongoing partnership and life-changing work in the community.

The forum has collaborated with Dutch experts to provide free Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) services and acquire specialized medical equipment from the Netherlands.

Voices from the field

Enock Nuwabine, project lead for the Dutch-funded Agriterra–BRIGHT initiative, praised PUM’s role in improving agricultural practices and value addition for crops like potatoes and coffee.

“We have seen higher productivity, better market access, and rising farmer incomes. We’re also promoting terracing and beekeeping to build climate resilience,” Nuwabine said.

Joan Kisaakye Nabwendi, agribusiness lead at the Federation of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises–Uganda (FSME), highlighted the focus on women-led enterprises.

“We offer mentorship, capacity building, and training in value addition and record keeping. Many women have reported visible improvements in their businesses,” Nabwendi said.