By Joshua Kato
For the first time, the Best Farmers will exhibit as a coalition during the 2025 Harvest Money Expo, in addition to their individual exhibits. The decision was made during a meeting and tour of Sebastian Rutah Ngabwa’s dairy farm in Zirobwe last Friday.
“We will have our own stall as a coalition during the expo and it will showcase information about the Best Farmers across the years,” said Haji Mua-wiya Mukasa, one of the farmers.
The 2025 Harvest Money Expo will take place from February 14 to 16. This year’s edition is supported by the Embassy of the Netherlands, Engineering Solutions (ENGSOL), Tunga Nutrition BV and Bella Wine.
The Best Farmers competition is organised by Vision Group, with support from the Embassy of the Netherlands, dfcu Bank, KLM Airlines and Koudjis Nutrition BV. Since its inception in 2014, 121 winners have been announced.
Led by Henry Lugolobi, the farmers presented a memorandum outlining challenges and opportunities that the Government needs to address in order to develop the agriculture sector.
These include, improving access to agricultural funds, expanding market access, providing farmers with equipment to add value and more. The farmers have already registered their umbrella association, dubbed the “Best Farmers Coalition,” to help leverage the success they have achieved.
There have been 121 winners since the competition started in 2014.

According to the group, the initiative is open to all past and future best farmers and will help advocate for more funding and support, enabling them to become model farmers and upscale farming across the country.
Staying connected
Lugolobi, the team leader, explained that the new step would help them stay connected and learn from each other over time.
He said the coalition would also be used to train small-scale farmers on better farming practices, having been exposed to experiences from the Netherlands.
“We have organised ourselves under this coalition to maintain togetherness and continuity. We also want to use this as a way for Vision Group to easily locate us,” he added.
Best practices shared
Beyond visiting each other, the farmers share market insights and best practices during these visits. “We are making the coalition beneficial to everyone by sharing vital farming information, including seeking solutions to our many challenges,” said Phoebe Kagambe, a member.
LEAD PHOTO CAPTION: The 2023 best farmers visiting a fellow winner, Ngabwa’s farm, in Zirobwe last Friday.