Busia Hosts First Agriculture Exhibition Show as Hon. Amb. Barbara Nekesa Oundo Officially Opens Event

Busia District has hosted its first-ever Agriculture Exhibition Show, bringing together farmers, exhibitors, agricultural experts, innovators, and stakeholders from different parts of Uganda in a landmark event aimed at promoting modern farming practices, innovation, and agribusiness opportunities.

The three-day agricultural exhibition, held at Masafu Town Council playgrounds from May 28 to May 30, 2026, attracted participants from Busia, Tororo, Bugiri, Namayingo, Masaka, Bukomansimbi, Mukono, and other districts. The event served as a platform for showcasing agricultural innovations, sharing knowledge, promoting networking among farmers, and encouraging investment in the agriculture sector.

Day One of the exhibition, held on Thursday, May 28, concluded successfully with farmers, exhibitors, and stakeholders showcasing various innovations and opportunities within the agricultural sector. Different exhibitors displayed improved farming technologies, quality seeds, animal breeds, irrigation systems, agro-processing equipment, poultry management techniques, fish farming innovations, and climate-smart agricultural solutions aimed at increasing productivity and improving household incomes.

The highlight of the exhibition came on Friday, May 29, when Hon. Amb. Barbara Nekesa Oundo(NRM National Treasurer) officially opened the event in the presence of local leaders, farmers, youth groups, women entrepreneurs, agricultural extension workers, and development partners.

While officially opening the exhibition, Hon. Nekesa applauded the organizers for creating a platform that brings farmers closer to modern agricultural technologies and market opportunities. She emphasized the critical role agriculture continues to play in Uganda’s economy, noting that the sector remains a key source of employment, food security, and household income for millions of Ugandans.

She encouraged farmers to embrace modern farming methods, innovation, value addition, and commercialization in order to improve productivity and compete favorably in regional and international markets.

Hon. Nekesa further urged young people and women to actively participate in agriculture, describing the sector as one of the biggest opportunities for wealth creation, employment, and socio-economic transformation.

“This exhibition demonstrates the immense potential agriculture has in transforming communities and improving livelihoods. Farmers must embrace innovation, technology, and knowledge-sharing if they are to increase production and income,” she said.

She also commended exhibitors for introducing modern agricultural solutions that can help farmers address challenges such as climate change, pests and diseases, poor yields, and limited market access.

The exhibition featured demonstrations on modern farming practices, livestock management, mechanized agriculture, greenhouse farming, irrigation technologies, beekeeping, aquaculture, and agro-processing. Farmers had the opportunity to interact directly with experts and learn practical skills aimed at improving productivity and sustainability.

Several exhibitors expressed optimism that the exhibition would help farmers access new markets, improve networking, and gain exposure to modern technologies that can transform agriculture in Busia and neighboring districts.

Local leaders praised the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention in promoting agricultural development and empowering farming communities. They noted that Busia, being a border district with strong trade potential, stands to benefit greatly from agricultural commercialization and cross-border market opportunities.

Farmers who attended the exhibition welcomed the initiative and called for the event to become an annual platform for learning, innovation, and market linkage.

The exhibition which concludes on Saturday, May 30, had stakeholders expressing commitment to strengthening agricultural extension services, supporting innovation, and encouraging more farmers to adopt modern and sustainable agricultural practices.

The Busia Agriculture Exhibition Show marks a significant milestone in promoting agriculture as a driver of economic growth and community transformation in eastern Uganda.