Uganda Martyrs University (UMU), through the Faculty of Agriculture, participated in the Wealth and Health Farmers Exhibition (WAHEFE) held from 6th to 9th August 2026 at Old Kampala Secondary School. The four-day exhibition provided the University with an opportunity to showcase its agricultural innovations, engage farmers and other stakeholders, promote its academic programmes, and inspire young people to consider careers in agriculture.
The exhibition brought together farmers, students, government representatives and other stakeholders, creating an important platform for knowledge sharing, networking and showcasing innovative solutions in agriculture. Throughout the exhibition, the UMU team engaged visitors and stakeholders, highlighting the University’s contribution to agricultural education, research, innovation and community development.
A major highlight of the University’s participation was the interest shown by a representative from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), who visited the different exhibition stalls and interacted with exhibitors. During his visit to the UMU stall, he was particularly impressed by the University’s innovation involving the use of wood ash in the preservation of tomatoes. Recognising the potential of the innovation to contribute to addressing post-harvest losses and support farmers, the Ministry representative indicated that he would engage the relevant Commissioner to explore how the University could be supported in further developing and scaling the innovation. The engagement provided an important opportunity for UMU to demonstrate how research and innovation generated within the University can respond to practical challenges affecting farmers and communities.
The exhibition also created a valuable platform for engaging young people who are considering their future careers. The participation of Old Kampala Secondary School Agriculture students provided an opportunity for the UMU team to interact directly with Senior Five and Senior Six students about the future of agriculture and the opportunities available within the sector. The students were encouraged to look beyond traditional perceptions of farming and appreciate agriculture as a field offering opportunities in innovation, entrepreneurship, technology, research and agribusiness.
The Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture also engaged students from Old Kampala Secondary School and Lubiri Secondary School, sharing insights and encouraging them to embrace agriculture as an important avenue for personal development, innovation and contribution to national transformation.
Through its participation, Uganda Martyrs University strengthened its visibility within the agricultural sector while positioning the Faculty of Agriculture as a hub for knowledge, innovation and practical solutions. The interactions with government representatives, students, farmers and other stakeholders also created opportunities for future partnerships and collaborations.
The University’s participation in WAHEFE demonstrates its continued commitment to connecting academic knowledge, research and innovation with real-world agricultural challenges. As the University continues to strengthen its role in agricultural education and innovation, the engagements and opportunities created through the exhibition will contribute to advancing solutions that benefit farmers, communities and Uganda’s agricultural sector.
