Women farmers in Budaka District have received modern beehives worth Shs34 million under a smart agriculture programme aimed at promoting climate-resilient livelihoods and diversifying household incomes.
The beehives were handed over to women’s groups in Bwikomba II Village, Mugiti Sub-county, as part of efforts to support rural communities facing declining crop yields, unpredictable weather patterns and limited income-generating opportunities.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Mugiti Sub-county Extension Officer Geoffrey Ibere said beneficiaries had been trained in modern beekeeping practices to ensure the success of the project.
He encouraged other community members to form groups and participate in similar programmes.
Local Council I Chairperson David Kandama welcomed the initiative, saying it would help address poverty among rural households.
‘These women will be empowered financially and also encourage others to form groups in order to benefit from the programme,’ Kandama said.
He noted that while agriculture remains the main source of livelihood for most families, dependence on traditional crop farming has left many households vulnerable to climate shocks and market fluctuations.
Officials said the introduction of beekeeping offers an alternative source of income through the production and sale of honey and other bee products while complementing existing farming activities.
Mugiti Sub-county Chief Gustine Tegulle urged residents to embrace the enterprise, describing it as a viable economic activity with growing market potential.
For beneficiaries, the project provides an opportunity to diversify incomes beyond subsistence farming.
District Production Officer Timothy Kawanga said communities benefiting from the programme contribute 20 percent of project costs, while government provides the remaining 80 percent.
He said 69 projects are currently being implemented across 20 sub-counties in Budaka, including 120 crop production groups, 45 apiary projects and 10 black soldier fly enterprises.
Kawanga also announced that the district would host an agricultural show on June 11, 2026.
Bwikomba Passion Growers Association Chairperson Harriet Alugat said members contributed Shs7.4 million as part of the required co-funding.
‘We are now putting much attention on beekeeping because its profitability is better compared to other enterprises,’ Alugat said.
She acknowledged that some members initially had concerns about managing bees but said training had increased their confidence.
LC3 Chairperson Enoch Kanene urged beneficiaries to maintain transparency and accountability to ensure the sustainability of the project.
‘The biggest cause of the collapse of these groups is lack of transparency, accountability and respect among leaders. It is time to work together for the good of the project,’ Kanene said.
District Internal Security Officer Lawrence Onyango called on beneficiaries to take ownership of the initiative and ensure government investments produce tangible results.
‘The government has invested a lot of money in different projects, but sometimes little can be seen on the ground,’ Onyango said.
Officials said the project forms part of wider efforts to promote sustainable agriculture and reduce poverty through income diversification in rural communities.