Nestled in the heart of Busalamu Town Council in Luuka District, Akubuza Farm Supplies has become more than just a farming project—it is a symbol of transformation and hope. Founded and owned by Hon. Esther Mbayo Mbulakubuza, the farm has brought lasting change to the lives of many within the district and beyond.
Hon. Esther Mbayo, who has served as the Woman Member of Parliament for Luuka District since 2016 and was Minister for the Presidency from 2016 to 2021, started Akubuza Farm with a vision to uplift her community through agriculture. What began as a humble initiative with a few poultry birds and fruit trees has now grown into a model farm admired across the district.
Through dedication, hard work, and the support of the local community, Akubuza Farm has expanded into a thriving agricultural hub. The poultry section has grown significantly, and the farm now cultivates large sections of land with Hass avocado, mangoes, and jackfruit. Its growth has not only enhanced food production but also created employment for many young people in the area. Today, dozens of youth work across various departments at the farm, contributing to its success while building valuable skills in agriculture and agribusiness.
The farm plays a critical role in the local economy, producing a consistent supply of eggs and fresh fruit for both local and regional markets. The upcoming avocado harvest is expected to be one of the largest in the district, marking a major milestone for the project. Yet Akubuza’s impact goes far beyond food production.
In its commitment to sustainability and innovation, the farm has introduced maggot farming, which provides essential raw materials for animal feed and organic fertilizers. This innovative approach has not only reduced input costs but has positioned the farm to begin exporting animal feeds to international markets—a major achievement for a rural-based initiative.
According to Eng. George William Mbayo, the farm’s General Manager and husband to Hon. Esther Mbayo, Akubuza Farm was established with a strong sense of community purpose. In his words, the farm owners have deliberately invested in people by offering free fertilizers, organizing agricultural workshops, and facilitating learning experiences for students and local SACCOs. These efforts have eased the burden on schools that previously had to travel to other districts for practical agricultural training, enabling them to now access knowledge and inspiration right in their backyard.
Despite its many successes, the farm still faces challenges. One of the most pressing is the shortage of water, which makes it difficult to sustain irrigation, especially for crops like Hass avocado that require consistent watering from planting to harvest. Installing a comprehensive irrigation system across the farm remains a major goal, though it comes with significant financial demands.
Still, the impact of Akubuza Farm is evident not only in numbers but in the voices of the people it has touched. Local residents speak with pride and gratitude about the opportunities it has created. One such resident, Mr. Mutasa Yakub, shared his appreciation for the farm’s role in providing employment, creating a reliable market, and offering access to modern farming practices that were once out of reach for many in the area.
Akubuza Farm Supplies has shown that with vision, commitment, and a strong connection to the community, agriculture can be a powerful tool for development.
