Kabale District Leaders Raise Concerns Over Honey Production Amid Unpredictable Weather Patterns

By Alex Byakatonda.

Communications Officer-Kabale

Honest Tumuheirwe, the Senior Entomologist for Kabale District, has expressed concern over the impact of unpredictable rainy seasons on the apiary farming business in the district, resulting in a significant decline in honey production.

Tumuheirwe made these remarks today during a handover ceremony at the Kabale District Yard in Kabale Municipality, where she presented apiary equipment to a group of selected farmers. The donated equipment, valued at 6,000,000 shillings, includes 45 Kenya top bar beehives, 5 overalls, 6 smokers, 5 gloves, and catcher boxes.

Tumuheirwe explained that the erratic weather patterns have disrupted the seasonal cycles, with apiary farmers now only able to harvest honey once a year, down from the usual twice a year. This shift has made it increasingly difficult for local farmers to meet market demands for honey.

There are approximately 6,000 beekeepers in Kabale District, who together produce an estimated 2.5 million tons of honey annually.

During the handover, Kabale District LC5 Chairperson, Nelson Nshangabasheija, commended the government for supporting the beekeeping community in the district. He emphasized that beekeeping is an environmentally friendly farming activity that thrives in the region’s rugged terrain. Nshangabasheija urged the people of Kabale to embrace beekeeping, highlighting the growing market for bee products.

He further encouraged locals to capitalize on the ready market for beehives, noting the establishment of industrial hubs by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in the district to equip the people of Kigezi with essential technical skills. Nshangabasheija expressed concern over the importation of beehives from Kenya to Kabale, questioning why locals cannot produce their own. He also urged the beneficiaries to use the equipment provided to improve their household incomes.

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