Exhibitors at the ongoing National Agricultural and Trade Show have challenged the Uganda National Farmers Federation (UNFFE) to modernize the annual event. They say the Farmers’ Federation has largely retained the same format for more than three decades despite the changing needs of the agricultural sector. The exhibitors say upgrading the show to international standards would involve constructing modern exhibition stalls, creating dedicated training spaces where farmers can learn about new technologies, and improving sanitation facilities for both exhibitors and visitors.
They also called for standard washroom facilities that can accommodate exhibitors and showgoers without requiring additional fees, arguing that better infrastructure would attract international exhibitors, create new market opportunities, and strengthen networking within the agribusiness sector. Johnson Basangwa of Jeka Poultry Farm said the National Agricultural Show has greatly benefited farmers by connecting them to quality inputs, markets and agricultural experts. However, he believes the event needs to evolve.
“We appreciate UNFFE’s relentless efforts in connecting farmers to quality inputs, markets and experts in their respective fields, but there is a need for diversification. They should benchmark against similar international exhibitions, which would position the show as more attractive to both farmers and exhibitors,” he said.
Basangwa also questioned the duration of the exhibition, noting that most international agricultural exhibitions last no more than three days. “I normally attend international exhibitions, and they usually last three days. This allows exhibitors to return to their businesses quickly and reduces expenses on accommodation, meals and other costs,” he said.
He added that the current 10-day exhibition discourages many potential visitors, who often postpone attending until it is too late.”Holding the show for 10 days creates reluctance among showgoers, who are our primary target. A shorter exhibition would encourage more people to attend promptly before returning to their businesses,” he said.
Brenda Musasizi, an exhibitor from Horticulture House, said the main objective of participating in the exhibition is to engage directly with farmers, but this has become increasingly difficult over the years. She urged organizers to adopt the international practice of offering free entry to visitors while charging exhibitors for exhibition space. “We pay millions of shillings for exhibition space and also hire tents, tables and chairs for 10 days. The organizers should appreciate exhibitors by offering free entry to visitors and making it easier for more farmers to attend, since we already shoulder most of the costs,” she said.
Musasizi said increased attendance would help exhibitors achieve their goal of expanding into local markets. Another exhibitor, Stella Nakilanda, who deals in agricultural machinery, said UNFFE should begin advertising the exhibition at least two months in advance to give exhibitors and visitors enough time to prepare. She noted that social media has become one of the most effective communication platforms and should be fully utilized to reach potential visitors.
Nakilanda said better promotion would enable exhibitors to effectively communicate with farmers and other stakeholders while maximizing the value of participating in the exhibition. Responding to the concerns, UNFFE President Dick Kamuganga defended the show, saying the Jinja National Agricultural Show remains the country’s leading agricultural exhibition because of its unique features.
He said the exhibition offers well-organized demonstration gardens that farmers can easily relate to, as well as ample space for showcasing modern technologies in irrigation, aquaculture, and other agricultural fields where visitors acquire hands-on practical skills. Kamuganga added that extending the exhibition from one week to 10 days was intended to give exhibitors more time to interact with farmers from different parts of the country-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
