Mushroom Farmers Hail President Museveni

Mushroom farmers in the Kampala metropolitan area have expressed gratitude to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for inspiring their ventures through his farming demonstrations. However, they are now appealing for additional support, including a collection center and value-addition equipment, to boost production and improve market access.

During a recent tour led by Princess Nassolo Pauline, a Senior Presidential Advisor on Elderly Affairs, several mushroom growers shared how President Museveni’s initiatives have motivated them to take up mushroom farming as a sustainable livelihood. Many farmers were inspired after visiting the president’s demonstration farm in Kawumu, Luwero District.

Mushroom Farming: A Profitable Venture for Urban Farmers

Mushroom farming is becoming increasingly popular in Uganda, particularly among urban dwellers. Kiirya Abubakar, a farmer from Looks Good Farm in Bulindo, Kira Municipality, Wakiso District, began cultivating mushrooms in 2017. He highlighted how mushrooms, rich in protein and vitamins, provide a lucrative opportunity for those with limited space.

“Mushrooms don’t require a large area or sunlight, making them perfect for urban settings,” said Kiirya. “You can start with just 200 mushroom gardens, which cost about UGX 600,000. The returns are good because mushrooms grow fast. In three to four months, you can harvest about 1.5 kilograms per garden, selling at UGX 5,000 per kilo.”

With minimal start-up costs, Kiirya emphasized that mushroom cultivation is accessible to many people, especially urban residents, offering a steady income throughout the year.

Calls for More Support

Despite their success, the mushroom farmers are asking for more government support. Kiirya and other growers are calling on President Museveni to help them secure essential resources like drying machines and a collection center. Such infrastructure, they argue, would allow them to process and package their produce for larger markets.

“We ask the president to assist us in acquiring machinery and a collection center, where farmers can gather their mushrooms for processing and export,” Kiirya added.

Farmers also noted that mushrooms are in demand across East Africa, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Arnold Ssekulima, another grower from Nansana, remarked, “There’s a growing market for mushrooms in the region, and with the right support, we can tap into it and significantly increase our income.”

Youth and Women Empowerment through Mushroom Farming

Mushroom farming is also empowering Uganda’s youth and women. Yona Bahimbwomugisha, a farmer in Wakiso District, began growing mushrooms in 2018 after visiting President Museveni’s farm. Starting with UGX 600,000, he now harvests 20 kilograms of mushrooms weekly, earning UGX 100,000.

“I thank President Museveni for teaching us youth about mushroom farming. It has changed our lives, and many of us are no longer idle or politicking,” Bahimbwomugisha said.

Women like Enid Kalinte, who started with just 80 mushroom gardens in Bunga, Wakiso, have also benefited from this venture. Kalinte now doubles her production due to high demand, using her earnings to support her family.

“By investing small amounts of capital, women can generate sustainable income. This helps us meet basic needs like education, food, and healthcare,” Kalinte explained.

Health Benefits of Mushrooms

Mushrooms are a nutritious, low-calorie food rich in antioxidants, making them a beneficial addition to any diet. In addition to their nutritional content, they offer a range of health benefits, such as supporting immune function, lowering cholesterol, and potentially contributing to cancer prevention.

A Call for Collective Action

Princess Nassolo encouraged mushroom farmers to collaborate to enhance market access and quality control for better exports. She praised the initiative for helping farmers improve their livelihoods while providing a nutritious, low-calorie food that boosts the immune system and offers other health benefits.

As Uganda’s mushroom farmers continue to grow, their appeal for greater government support signals their readiness to expand and meet the increasing demand for mushrooms locally and across the region. With additional investment, they hope to further build on the inspiration they have received from President Museveni’s farming initiatives.