During a campaign stop in Pakwach, President Yoweri Museveni praised Gilbert Kermundu, the founder of Polla Mixed Farm in Udhure Village, Kaluwang Parish, Nebbi District, for his outstanding contributions to agriculture, livestock, and fisheries in Northern Uganda. Museveni revealed that he plans to use Polla Mixed Farm as a model for all his campaigns in the region, highlighting its success as an example of how modern farming can drive economic growth and community development.
Since its establishment in 2011, Polla Mixed Farm has grown from a small venture into a thriving medium-scale agribusiness, covering 300 acres and employing over 200 people. The farm has become a beacon of innovation, demonstrating how diversified farming practices can transform rural communities.
Under Kermundu’s leadership, Polla Mixed Farm has diversified its activities. The farm maintains over 400 goats, 100 pigs, and more than 200 beehives, producing thousands of liters of honey annually. Over 150 acres are planted with fruit and non-fruit trees, and more than one million seedlings, including coffee, mango, and macadamia, are cultivated for local farmers. Fish farming has also been introduced, with over 3,000 fish raised in multiple ponds, offering both high-quality produce and hands-on learning opportunities for students and farmers eager to adopt modern agricultural methods.
Northern Uganda, particularly the West Nile region, offers fertile soils, ample pastures, and favorable altitudes between 900 and 1,600 meters, ideal for coffee, mango, macadamia, and livestock farming. Kermundu has leveraged these advantages, intercropping coffee with other crops and collaborating with local agricultural institutions, research centers, and market organizations. These initiatives have improved access to technical expertise, financial services, and lucrative markets, ensuring sustainable production and profitability.
Beyond commercial success, Polla Mixed Farm has profoundly impacted the local community. The farm provides free training in agronomy, modern farming techniques, and value addition, empowering local farmers to increase productivity and income. Kermundu’s integrated approach has created over 1,000 direct and indirect jobs, contributing significantly to poverty reduction. The farm also serves as a practical learning center for students from institutions such as Bukalasa, ADRA, and Centenary University.
Looking ahead, Kermundu plans to expand coffee production to over 150 acres, increase seedling availability, and improve market access both locally and internationally. Through irrigation, intercropping, and value addition, Polla Mixed Farm continues to set the standard for sustainable agriculture.
President Museveni, while in Pakwach, emphasized that Polla Mixed Farm will serve as a model for all campaigns in Northern Uganda, showing how agriculture, livestock, and fisheries can drive economic transformation. Kermundu’s work stands as a testament to visionary leadership, innovation, and community empowerment, inspiring both farmers and policymakers alike.
