6 young Ugandan farmers travelled to Germany on July 7,2025 as part of an exchange programme. They are taking part in the International Young Farmers Exchange Programme (IYFEP Lite)
It is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and coordinated by the Young Farmers’ Federation of Uganda in partnership with Schorlemer Stiftung and Andreas Hermes Akademie.
The team is set to spend 3 months of on-farm training with their host families, joining a group of over 110 Ugandans and 56 German interns who have participated in the programme over the past 6 years.
Myres Ndyabawe, IYFEP lite intern, reveals, “I am delighted to participate in this year’s IYFEP lite. As a young farmer, I’m eager to learn about modern farming methods and German culture. I’m looking forward to learning about farm succession and networking with fellow farmers in Uganda and Germany. I’ve set up systems and prepared my staff to ensure that farm tasks continue smoothly while I’m away.”
The interns were given an official sendoff at the Young Farmers’ Federation of Uganda, (UNYFA) headquarters in Nakasero Plot 27, attended by their families and friends.
Dr. Emma Naluyima, guardian of Waddimba Soechratees, expressed her excitement about the program, “I am very excited about this program and that Waddimba is participating in it. We have been hosting youth from Germany in the previous cohorts, and they have collaborated with us, working hard and being very interesting. We think that when he goes there, he is going to learn a lot and bring it back to Uganda. He’s going to share some knowledge and show them a few things we do. We expect him to be open-minded and receptive to new knowledge, not limited to farming.”
Dr. Naluyima added, “When German interns come to our farm under this program, we take them in as our own children. We give them names, celebrate their birthdays, and get to know their preferences. I love their commitment and work ethics. Waddimba has learned from the interns here in Uganda, and one of the things we want him to further learn is the importance of hard work.”
“Once he comes back, he is going to just inculcate it in the rest of the work at the farm because the German interns we have hosted are very outstanding when it comes to work ethics,” she explains.
Wattisa Evelyne, mother of Esther Nambafu, an IYFEP lite participant, expressed her gratitude, “I am very grateful to the Young Farmers’ Federation of Uganda and their partners for granting Esther this golden opportunity. I believe she will use it to broaden her knowledge and edify our family and community when she returns. I wish her the very best and pray that she stays safe with her host family.”
The IYFEP Lite Participants
- Myres Ndyabawe
- Lugesera Innocent
- Esther Nambafu
- Apio Angella
- Ssebugwawo Modecai
- Waddimba Soechratees