Vision Group lauds Dutch envoy

PIC: Vision Group Chief Executive Officer Robert Kabushenga hands over a copy of Building of a Nation book to the outgoing Netherlands Ambassador, Alphons Hennekens as chairperson of judges of Best Farmers competition, Victoria Sekitoleko (extreme right), deputy head of mission Netherlands embassy, Hans Peter Van Dewoude (2nd left) and Best Farmers competition judge Augustine Mwendya look on during Hennekens' farewell luncheon at the Vision Group head offices on July 26, 2016.Photos/ Maria Wamala

Vision Group Tuesday organized the luncheon to commend Ambassador Alphons Hennekens, Dutch Ambassador to Uganda for his involvement in Vision Group's best farmers' competition.

The competitions launched in 2013 turned out to be a success for Ugandan farmers. The ambassador's term of office expires in November.

The outgoing Netherlands Ambassador, Alphons Hennekens receives a montage telling the story of his work with Vision group on the Best Farmers completion, from Vision Group Managing Editor David Mukholi as lead judge best farmers completion Victoria Sekitoleko looks on during his farewell luncheon.

 
He hailed the best farmers' initiative and revealed that the embassy was looking at opportunities to further the agenda of cooperation in the field of agriculture.

"Agriculture is not something that you do when you have nothing else to do, but we strongly believe in looking at the sector as one that is very important for the Ugandan economy. We have expertise in different areas that we can share with Uganda and vice versa," Hennekens said.

Victoria Sekitoleko, one of the best farmers' competition judges and the chair Uganda Agribusiness Alliance said some of the issues farmers should desist from is depending on seasons.

The outgoing Netherlands Ambassador, Alphons Hennekens chats with best farmers judge Ogenga Latigo during his farewell luncheon

 

"We should be the last to complain about drought when we have the second largest lake in the world and several other lakes. Simply move the water to your farm and produce fulltime," Sekitoleko said.

Robert Kabushenga, Vision Group's Chief Executive Officer was represented by Susan Nsibirwa the Head of Marketing and Communications. She said the idea of taking the best 10 farmers to the Netherlands has been life changing and transformational.

"It has had a ripple effect and all the farmers have since become model farmers across the country," Nsibirwa said adding that the best farmers' project is part of the company's Corporate Social Responsibility.

 
Jude Kansiime, Marketing Manager, dfcu Bank pledged to continue supporting the best farmers' initiative.

The best farmers' competition is a Vision Group initiative in collaboration with the Royal Dutch Embassy, dfcu Bank and KLM Airlines that has greatly impacted on society. 

Every week, the profiles of farmers are run in all Vision Group platforms, including The New Vision (Harvest Money), Bukedde (Enkumbi Telimba), Urban TV Uganda, TV West, Radio West and Orumuri , Etop newspaper and Etop radio, Rupiny and Arua One radio.

 
At the end of the competition, the best farmers receive awards, including visiting the Netherlands.

The ambassador said Netherlands wants to market their country as the best agriculture destination in the world.

Susan Nsibirwa, Vision Group's Head of Marketing and Communications(R) chats with deputy head of mission Netherlands embassy, Hans Peter Van Dewoude(L)