November 13, 2026 (Vanguard/All Africa Global Media via COMTEX) --
Nile Breweries Limited (NBL) has celebrated more than 500 barley farmers in the Sebei sub-region in recognition of their contribution to Uganda's barley value chain.
The celebration, held at the Nile Breweries Cheminy Drying Facility in Kween District under the company's Cheers to Farmers campaign, brought together farmers and local and national government officials to recognise outstanding growers and share practical approaches to improving yields and reducing post-harvest losses.
Over the years, NBL has supported approximately 25,000 farmers across Uganda to grow barley, sorghum, cassava and maize for its breweries. These include about 4,000 barley farmers in the Kapchorwa highlands.
More than 98 per cent of the company's raw materials are sourced locally, with annual expenditure on local sourcing exceeding Shs 156 billion.
According to Joseph Luzinda, NBL's Agro Services Manager, the brewery purchases approximately 10,000 metric tonnes of barley annually from local farmers. He added that the company is working with the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) to develop a new barley seed variety.
Through its Local Raw Material programme, NBL provides farmers with access to improved seed, agricultural guidance from field officers and a reliable market for their produce.
Speaking at the celebrations, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, Sanjay Tanna, said a reliable market gives farmers the confidence to invest in improved production, while local processing creates additional employment opportunities.
"Nile Breweries' investment in local sourcing demonstrates how agriculture and manufacturing can grow together. By providing a market for Ugandan crops and investing in local processing, the company is connecting farmers to industry and supporting opportunities for employment. We appreciate the contribution this partnership is making to the country's development," he said.
Farmers in Sebei have historically faced challenges drying their grain, particularly when harvesting coincides with the rainy season. This often affects the quality required for malting. NBL's partnership with growers has helped address the challenge through investments in post-harvest handling infrastructure.
Opened in 2023 following a Shs 4 billion investment, the Cheminy barley cleaning and drying facility provides farmers in Kween, Kapchorwa and Bukwo districts with dedicated cleaning, drying and storage services. The facility helps preserve the quality of locally grown barley while reducing farmers' reliance on open-air drying.
"As we mark 75 years in Uganda, we recognise the farmers whose work supplies our breweries and sustains farming communities. Our breweries depend on farmers being able to grow quality grain and make a living from it. That is why we work with farmers throughout the season, from access to seed and agricultural advice to the handling of their harvests," said Nkanyiso Mncwabe, Managing Director of NBL.
"Cheers to Farmers gives us a chance to thank our farmers and celebrate the progress we have made together. Their success matters to the long-term future of Nile Breweries and to the communities in which we work," he added.
As part of the event, agricultural extension officers conducted practical training on barley production, while NBL presented awards to outstanding farmers in recognition of their performance.
Kamuchaki Augustine, LC1 Chairperson of Chemolon Cell, said farming income plays an important role in supporting household needs and stimulating local economic activity.
"Income from farming helps families here pay school fees and supports trade in our community. We appreciate Nile Breweries' partnership with our farmers, particularly the ready market for barley and the Cheminy facility that helps preserve grain quality after harvest. This support is important to the livelihoods of families in our community," he said.
Paul Kapchemeiko Majinjach, LC V Chairperson of Kween District, also commended the partnership, noting that access to improved seed, agricultural advice and a reliable market had helped farmers improve the quality of their barley.
"We thank Nile Breweries for the partnership it has built with farmers in Kween. Access to improved seed, agricultural advice and a ready market has supported our growers to produce and sell quality barley. The Cheminy facility has helped address the drying and storage challenges farmers faced, and we appreciate this investment in protecting the value of their harvests," he said.
The LC V Chairperson of Kapchorwa District, Chelimo Vinscent, called for increased support for soil testing services to help farmers better understand soil conditions and improve agricultural productivity. He also appealed for more initiatives to create employment opportunities for young people in the region.
Beyond crop production, NBL's farmer support programmes have also included training in budgeting, bookkeeping, saving and credit management. These initiatives are intended to help farmers manage production costs, make informed financial decisions and plan how to use their earnings, complementing the agricultural advice and market access provided through the Local Raw Material programme.
COMTEX_1002717998/2029/2026-11-13T08:35:10
