Uganda has set an ambitious goal to grow its economy from approximately $50 billion to $500 billion by 2040 under the National Development Plan IV, NDP IV. This growth is being driven through a focus on Agro-industrialization, Tourism, Mineral development, and Science, Technology, and Innovation. Of these, agriculture remains one of the most immediate opportunities, especially through value addition, improved farming practices, and stronger investment in productivity.
In line with this national direction, dfcu is playing an active role in supporting Uganda’s agricultural sector. One of the ways it does this is through partnerships like the Best Farmers Awards, organised by Vision Group together with the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, and Koudijs Animal Nutrition. Since 2014, the awards have recognised more than 130 farmers who are excelling in productivity, sustainability, and agribusiness management. The 2025 winners will travel to the Netherlands for a study tour, gaining exposure to one of the world’s most advanced agricultural systems.
Among this year’s winners is Alfred Ojok, a 34-year-old farmer from Nwoya District. He is the owner of Hasting Coffee Center and Chairperson of the Nwoya Lalr Coffee and Poultry Cooperative Society Limited. Ojok believes the land in Northern Uganda holds real potential, not just as a resource, but as a pathway out of poverty for many families.
His journey hasn’t been easy. Raised in a family with limited financial means, Ojok set out to build a better future through farming. His first attempt, growing garlic, failed due to the harsh climate in Nwoya. Instead of giving up, he pivoted to coffee, learning from a local expert and gradually building his knowledge. Today, he manages 25 acres of coffee in Amola village and has been recognised as the Best Farmer in the Northern Region.
Ojok first heard about the Best Farmers Awards in 2019 and was documented in 2022. In 2025, his persistence paid off when he was named a winner.
The name of his cooperative, Lalr, reflects a belief that the land can bring hope. Under his leadership, the cooperative is focused on improving members’ livelihoods and becoming a model for agricultural success in the region. He is also working with more than 40 young people through Hasting Coffee Center, equipping them with practical skills in coffee, cocoa, and banana farming, and helping them secure contracts to establish plantations.
Like many farmers, Ojok has faced challenges. Early on, gaps in farm management led to losses in his coffee crop. With support and training from the Uganda Coffee Development Authority, he improved his approach. Climate change remains a major hurdle, with prolonged dry seasons affecting yields. To manage this, he has relied on labour-intensive solutions like mulching and manual irrigation.
Winning the 2025 Best Farmers Award has given him a new boost. The UGX 7 million prize will go toward installing a modern irrigation system to make his farm more resilient. He is also adopting precision farming techniques, using mobile tools to monitor crop health and environmental conditions.
Ojok now looks ahead to the Netherlands study tour as a chance to learn, grow, and think bigger. His goal is to cut out middlemen, sell directly to buyers, and eventually build his own coffee brand. Just as important, he plans to share what he learns with other farmers, helping to raise productivity and opportunity across Northern Uganda.
