Kabale District Local Government has empowered local beekeepers by distributing modern apiary equipment to 20 selected farmer groups in preparation for the upcoming honey harvesting season.
During a handover ceremony held at the District Headquarters on Tuesday, officials distributed 20 bee suits, 20 smokers, and 40 airtight honey storage buckets, equipment valued at Shs 6 million.
The support was provided under the Agriculture Extension Grant Program, aimed at enhancing honey production and promoting best practices in apiary management.
Honest Tumuheirwe, the District Senior Entomologist, noted that the equipment will serve a demonstration purpose.
“We want farmers to see first-hand how modern tools can improve honey harvesting. If they find the technology effective, they are encouraged to acquire more on their own,” she said.
Tumuheirwe also urged beekeepers to form cooperatives, which would enable them to benefit from larger initiatives such as the Uganda Climate Smart Agriculture Transformation Project.
Speaking at the event, the Principal Assistant Secretary (PAS) of Kabale District emphasized the importance of quality assurance in honey production.
“Quality determines market access. Poor handling practices will shut you out of both local and international markets. Work together and pursue reliable markets for your products,” he advised.
Kabale District Vice Chairperson, Miria Akankwasa Tugume, encouraged beneficiaries to put the donated equipment to good use. She underscored the importance of value addition, branding, and marketing.
“Don’t stop at production, how you package and present your honey makes a big difference in profitability,” she said. Tugume also stressed the need for proper record-keeping to support monitoring, access to funding, and market linkages.
Kabale District is home to an estimated 6,000 beekeepers, who collectively produce approximately 2.5 million tons of honey annually.
The beekeeping sector continues to grow as a viable source of income and food security for local households.
