From hospitality to harvest: The agribusiness evolution of Wepukhulu Juma
For over a decade, Wepukhulu Juma climbed the ladder of the hospitality industry in Mbale District. But after eleven years as a hotel manager, he realized that true stability required a different kind of growth, one that started with gardening.
Inspired by a simple newspaper story about a kitchen garden, Juma traded his suit for a business mindset in urban farming, proving that agriculture is the ultimate “five-star” venture.
Juma’s transition wasn’t just about changing jobs; it was about changing perceptions. In a community where farming is often seen as a “last resort” for the unemployed, Juma set out to prove it was a high-value profession. He established a model farm to show neighbors that small-scale urban plots could be highly profitable. By focusing on “quick-win” vegetables like green peppers, bilinganya (eggplant), and leafy greens, he ensured a consistent daily income. Leveraging his background in hospitality, he bypassed middle-men and secured direct supply contracts with local schools and major hotels, the very industry he once managed.
The success of Juma’s urban farm provided more than just financial independence; it provided a platform for leadership.
Through his involvement with the Resilient Urban Food Systems (RUFS) project, Juma achieved a milestone few small-scale farmers reach: becoming a published author. His book, Resilient Food Urban System, now serves as a technical guide for the next generation of “agri-preneurs.”
“Since publishing the book entitled “Climate Smart and Resilient Urban Farming” my professional reach has expanded beyond my expectations. As a non-agriculturist, I once found it difficult to win large-scale contracts; now, my book serves as my strongest credential. It has ‘sparked’ opportunities across schools, hotels, and religious institutions, and paved the way for me to lead impactful comunity trainings in Mbale, Kasese, and for various international organizations.” Juma says.