Beekeepers in Kisoro district, united under the banner of the Kisoro Beekeepers Cooperative, KIBEKO, have expressed their spiralling concerns regarding the escalating use of pesticides on agricultural farms. This apprehension was brought to light during an orientation meeting held in Kisoro municipality. 

The event was organized in collaboration with the Uganda National Apiculture Development Organisation (TUNADO) in conjunction with World of Bees and Turning Opportunities into Dreams (TRIAS) at the Bam Rest Hotel in Kisoro district.

According to the beekeepers, Kisoro district has the potential to lead in honey production, but this potential is undermined as bees perish after gardens are treated with pesticides. Beekeepers called for comprehensive training and the establishment of information centres to help them become experts in honey production and apiculture.

Abel Bizimana, the Chairman of Kisoro district LCV, urged beekeepers’ cooperatives to unite and present their demands to the government.

He emphasized the need for regulations on pesticide usage to promote the development of both agriculture and apiculture. Bizimana also called upon non-governmental organizations specializing in apiculture to conduct research and report to district councils about the specific pesticides jeopardizing beekeeping.

Aaron Bomujuni, an officer from the Uganda National Apiculture Development Organisation (TUNADO), appealed to beekeepers to compile a list of pesticides that pose a threat to beekeeping. He stressed that bees play a crucial role in production through pollination, and their decline would limit production.

Meanwhile, an official from TUNADO managed to visit an apiary that belongs to Prince Travor Mugenga in Rwaramba parish in Nyakinama Sub County which holds over fifty beehives and hopes to construct a processing factory for honey in the area. Prince Travor Mugenga noted that he doesn't hold many years in rearing bees but so far has started benefiting much from the project. He promised to extend his project to earn more from it with support from organizations and the government.

Robert Kizito, the chairperson of Kisoro Beekeepers cooperative expressed his fear of the reduction of bees in Uganda due to some farming practices. He noted that they collect honey from cooperative members and sell it to Kampala and also export it to outside countries. He asked the government to enact more strategies to benefit beekeepers in Uganda.