Mushroom growers in the Kampala metropolitan area have called on President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to assist them in acquiring a collection center for easier market access and value-addition equipment, enabling them to boost their income.
Princess Nassolo Pauline, Senior Presidential Advisor on the Elderly, recently toured various mushroom farms in the area, many of which were inspired by President Museveni’s visit to his demonstration farm in Kawumu, Luwero district. According to Princess Nassolo, mushroom farming is becoming a popular and profitable venture, offering a sustainable solution to the urban poor with minimal capital investment.
Kiirya Abubakar, owner of Looks Good Farm in Bulindo, Kira municipality, Wakiso district, started his mushroom farming business in 2017 after recognizing the high demand for mushrooms, which are rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. “Mushrooms are a versatile and nutritious food source with a large market but are scarce,” Kiirya noted.
He highlighted that mushroom cultivation is uniquely suited to urban environments, requiring minimal space and no direct sunlight, unlike traditional crops. “You don’t need a big space. Even in the backyard, you can start with 200 mushroom gardens for about shs.600,000,” he explained. He added that mushrooms require only water for irrigation and no chemical inputs, making them an ideal organic crop for urban farmers.
Kiirya explained that with a well-constructed space of around 15 feet, equipped with shelves or strings, one can accommodate over 1,000 mushroom gardens. Mushrooms grow quickly, with some varieties ready for harvest in as little as four weeks. Each of the 200 gardens typically yields 1.5 kilograms of mushrooms over a three-to-four-month lifespan, which can be sold for at least shs.5,000 per kilogram. “This means you can earn around shs.1.5 million in just a few months,” he added.
The rapid growth cycle and multiple harvests per year have attracted many urban dwellers to mushroom farming. However, the farmers are now calling for collective efforts to ensure quality control and better market access. “We request President Museveni to help us acquire machinery like dryers and a collection center where farmers can pool their produce for larger markets,” Kiirya urged.
Mr. Bossa Livingstone, a mushroom farmer from Masajja in Makindye Ssabagabo, told Princess Nassolo that he used shs.1 million from the Parish Development Model to start his mushroom business, which is now thriving. Bossa has expanded into producing organic soap, lotion, and charcoal lighters from mushrooms.
Arnold Ssekulima, a mushroom grower from Nansana, echoed similar sentiments, asking the government for more support. “We have seen support for coffee farmers, but mushrooms also have a good market, especially in East Africa and the DRC,” Ssekulima said.
Yona Bahimbwomugisha, a mushroom farmer in Kijjabijo, Wakiso district, began his venture after visiting President Museveni’s demonstration farm in 2018. Starting with 200 mushroom gardens, Yona now harvests 20 kilograms per week, earning shs.100,000 by selling at shs.5,000 per kilogram. “I thank President Museveni for teaching us about mushroom farming. It has greatly benefited the youth, keeping us productive,” Yona remarked.
Ms. Racheal Najjuuko, CEO of Saci Innovations Uganda Limited, emphasized the need for more training for farmers, alongside the creation of a collection center and packaging facility. Ms. Enid Kalinte, another grower from Bunga in Wakiso, shared her success story, explaining how she doubled her production from 80 to 160 gardens due to increasing demand.
Mushroom farming, especially for women and housewives, offers a sustainable source of income with low capital investment, helping cover essential needs like food, education, and healthcare. Princess Nassolo reiterated that by organizing themselves, mushroom farmers can enhance market access and improve quality controls, opening doors for exports.
In addition to being a profitable crop, mushrooms are known for their health benefits, including boosting the immune system, lowering cholesterol, and potentially fighting cancer. They are also low in calories and packed with antioxidants, making them a healthy addition to any diet.
