Beekeeping has long been a source of honey, wax, and other products in Uganda, but in recent years, it has evolved beyond a traditional practice.
Modernising beekeeping is now seen as a key driver for improving productivity, quality, and farmer incomes while supporting environmental conservation.
Erieza Nsubuga, an experienced beekeeper from Nakaseke, says that adopting modern methods has transformed his work.
“With modern hives like the Langstroth and top-bar hives, I can harvest more honey with less disturbance to the bees,” he explains.
He also uses protective gear, which reduces the risk of stings and allows for easier hive inspection.
Alice Kangave, an entomologist and beekeeper, adds that modern beekeeping helps improve product quality and safety.
“Using stainless steel equipment and clean extraction methods ensures honey is pure and free from contaminants,” she says.
She notes that modern practices also enable farmers to diversify their products to include propolis, pollen, and royal jelly, which fetch higher prices on the market.
From Kitagwenda district, Jennifer Tumushabe shares her experience: “Before, I used traditional hives that gave me about 5 litres of honey per harvest. Now, with modern hives, I get up to 15 litres, and the bees are healthier.”
She also highlights that modern beekeeping reduces colony loss by controlling pests and diseases more effectively.
Experts say that modernisation supports sustainability. By placing hives strategically and planting nectar-rich plants, farmers help conserve pollinators, which in turn boost crop yields in surrounding farms.
With rising demand for pure honey locally and internationally, modern beekeeping offers both environmental and economic benefits.
For farmers like Tumushabe, Kangave, and Nsubuga, the shift from traditional to modern methods is more than an upgrade, it’s a pathway to a thriving, sustainable future.
