Lwengo, Sembabule PWDs say to embrace apiary in climate-smart agriculture initiative

Persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the districts of Lwengo and Sembabule say they are going to embrace beekeeping as a sustainable source of income, after a training session organised under a climate-smart agriculture initiative.

The March 13, 2026, training at Kyazanga Town Council, in Mubende district brought together 88 PWDs who learned practical skills such as attracting bees to hives, safely inspecting colonies, and using protective gear, including gloves, bee suits, veils, and smokers.

In the separate interview, Mukisa Abdullah Hakimu, one of the PWDs, said that beekeeping is suitable for persons with disabilities because it requires less physical energy and can be done on a small piece of land.   

He added that participants will benefit from continued training and provision of beekeeping equipment

Former MP Patrick Mulindwa, while addressing the members, said modern hives, such as the Kenya Top Bar Hive, can produce 12 to 15kg of honey per harvest, depending on weather conditions. 

“Besides honey, bees also produce propolis, beeswax and bee pollen, which have ready markets and can increase farmers’ incomes,” he said.

Mulindwa also highlighted the potential of bee venom, which has a growing international market in medical research and therapies.

“A litre of bee venom can fetch between sh80 million and sh120 million, with monthly collection possible using specialised equipment,” he noted.

He encouraged PWDs to form groups or SACCOs to manage apiary projects collectively, share equipment, and boost production. 

Citing Mubende as an example, Mulindwa said that recently a SACCO of 45 PWDs had mobilised sh13.5 million to buy beehives, projecting a minimum monthly income of sh250,000 per member.

The initiative is supported by the World Bank as part of a climate-smart agriculture programme aimed at improving livelihoods among vulnerable communities. 

Mulindwa emphasised that promoting beekeeping among PWDs can help many break free from poverty while supporting environmental conservation.

For Margret Kamusu, the District Councillor for PWDs in Sembabule, expressed optimism about the initiative.

She said participants were encouraged to form cooperative groups to ensure smooth implementation of the beekeeping project.

“They advised us to work together and invest in hives so we can start the project as early as possible,” Kamusu said. 

She added that honey prices are expected to be high, which could help participants break the cycle of poverty in the years to come.

Kamusu also confirmed that her team are fully prepared, having secured enough land to begin production. 

If all goes according to plan, they aim to start harvesting in early December this year.