The Uganda Prisons Service has established Farmer Field Schools as part of efforts to strengthen practical agricultural knowledge and improve productivity among farmers across the country.
Speaking during the 32nd National Agricultural Show in Jinja, Senior Superintendent of Prisons Generous Behabura Betunga said the initiative is aimed at bridging the knowledge gap among farmers by offering hands-on, location-specific agricultural training.
Betunga explained that Uganda’s diverse agro-ecological zones require tailored farming approaches, yet many farmers often replicate practices from one region to another without considering environmental differences, which affects productivity.
The Uganda Prisons Service has established Farmer Field Schools as part of efforts to strengthen practical agricultural knowledge and improve productivity among farmers across the country.
Speaking during the 32nd National Agricultural Show in Jinja, Senior Superintendent of Prisons Generous Behabura Betunga said the initiative is aimed at bridging the knowledge gap among farmers by offering hands-on, location-specific agricultural training.
Betunga explained that Uganda’s diverse agro-ecological zones require tailored farming approaches, yet many farmers often replicate practices from one region to another without considering environmental differences, which affects productivity.
“Uganda is blessed with several agro-ecological zones, but many farmers face challenges because they copy and paste farming practices from one area to another without adjusting to their local conditions,” she said.
To address this, Uganda Prisons has established Farmer Field Schools as practical training centres where farmers can access expert guidance in crop and livestock production suited to their specific environments.
According to Betunga, the centre will have full-time agronomists, veterinarians, and technical staff to assess farmers’ needs and guide them through practical, step-by-step training.
She noted that the training will support both individual farmers and organised groups, helping them identify their strengths, gaps, and opportunities for improvement.
The initiative is expected to strengthen farmers’ practical skills, improve productivity, and promote sustainable farming practices that are responsive to local conditions.
The Uganda Prisons Service has established Farmer Field Schools as part of efforts to strengthen practical agricultural knowledge and improve productivity among farmers across the country.
Speaking during the 32nd National Agricultural Show in Jinja, Senior Superintendent of Prisons Generous Behabura Betunga said the initiative is aimed at bridging the knowledge gap among farmers by offering hands-on, location-specific agricultural training.
Betunga explained that Uganda’s diverse agro-ecological zones require tailored farming approaches, yet many farmers often replicate practices from one region to another without considering environmental differences, which affects productivity.
“Uganda is blessed with several agro-ecological zones, but many farmers face challenges because they copy and paste farming practices from one area to another without adjusting to their local conditions,” she said.
To address this, Uganda Prisons has established Farmer Field Schools as practical training centres where farmers can access expert guidance in crop and livestock production suited to their specific environments.
She revealed that the first Farmer Field School has been set up in the Busoga sub-region and will serve as a permanent exhibition and learning centre for farmers.
According to Betunga, the centre will have full-time agronomists, veterinarians, and technical staff to assess farmers’ needs and guide them through practical, step-by-step training.
She noted that the training will support both individual farmers and organised groups, helping them identify their strengths, gaps, and opportunities for improvement.
The initiative is expected to strengthen farmers’ practical skills, improve productivity, and promote sustainable farming practices that are responsive to local conditions.
The development further highlights the growing contribution of the Uganda Prisons Service in supporting Uganda’s agricultural transformation through knowledge-sharing, innovation, and community empowerment.
Uganda Prisons Service is a state agency established by Articles 215-218 of the 1995 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda as amended, contributes to the protection of all members of society by providing reasonable, safe, secure and humane custody and rehabilitation of offenders by universally accepted standards.
The Uganda Prisons Service (UPS) was established in 1899 under the British Protectorate as a branch of the King’s African Rifles (KAR), tasked with providing safe custody for offenders. By 1903, UPS was recognized as a separate department from the KAR, although KAR soldiers continued to assist in training. The Prisons Training School in Luzira, initially run by KAR soldiers, was formally opened on April 26, 1950, by Governor Sir John Harthon.
This is an exhaustive overview of the UPS current endeavors and strategic developments in the realm of livestock management.
Anchored by the expert guidance of the Livestock Health, Production, and Entomology Divisions within the Prisons Farms Department, UPS has embarked on a journey of significant transformation and growth in its animal production and health management strategies.
