From 27 June to 5 July, representatives from Uganda’s agricultural sector – and beyond – gathered on the spacious showgrounds in Jinja, just a stone’s throw from the source of the Nile. Amidst blaring music, a Ferris wheel, and nonstop MC announcements, networking, information exchange, and business were in full swing across more than 200 exhibition stalls.
The National Agricultural Show (NAS) has been one of Uganda’s most important agricultural fairs for over 30 years. Despite noticeable setbacks following the pandemic and increasing competition. Many still consider it “the number one show you have to attend,” as one machinery exhibitor told us.
Together with our partner UNFFE (Uganda National Farmers Federation), we conducted an on-site evaluation of the show – to assess what is working well and where improvements are needed. Equipped with clipboards and questionnaires, we visited exhibitors ranging from seed companies and agripreneurs to cooperatives, government officials, and international guests. While many exhibitors felt that visitor numbers were not entirely satisfactory, many still benefited from valuable networking opportunities.
A particular highlight was the Live Crops area: for weeks, exhibitors had been preparing demonstration plots showcasing tomatoes, cabbage, silverbeet, and much more – offering visitors hands-on insights and training opportunities. The District Farmer Associations (DFAs) also brought produce from their regions: mangoes, pineapples, bananas, as well as processed goods like honey, creams, and juices – all available for purchase on-site.
In the Netherlands Village, everything revolved around this year’s theme: “Technological Innovations Driving Farm Wealth.” From space-saving hydroponic systems for urban settings to small-scale yogurt production by rural female farmers – the focus was on practical, climate-resilient solutions for agriculture.
Beyond machinery, cage systems, and demo plots, the show also showcased alternative perspectives – such as those presented by Uganda Prisons. In addition to crops and livestock, furniture crafted by inmates was also on display. As the responsible officer explained, the goal is to equip inmates with agricultural and vocational skills that open up new opportunities after their release.
The show concluded with an award ceremony recognizing particularly innovative exhibitors. As school groups arrived the very next day for the National Agricultural Education Show (NAES), one thing became clear: once again, the NAS proved to be an important meeting point for Uganda’s agricultural sector, providing space for exchange and new connections. Together with AHA, UNFFE is actively preparing to meet future challenges and continues to develop a forward-looking business model.
