When Judith Bakirya left her job as a high school teacher at just 35, few could have predicted that she would become one of Uganda’s most innovative voices in herbal medicine and agricultural value addition. Today, Judith is not only a farmer and product developer but a national award winner and international exporter, transforming indigenous knowledge into wellness products with global appeal.
Her breakthrough came in 2014 when she emerged as the second-best farmer in Uganda during the prestigious dfcu Bank–Vision Group Best Farmers Awards. As part of her prize, she joined a delegation that toured the Netherlands, an experience that helped refine her business strategy and expand her vision.
“I started with fruits and herbs,” she recalls. “But over time, I realized that value addition held more economic potential. That’s when I began processing underutilized resources like jackfruit and avocado seeds into wellness teas and herbal products.”
Judith’s enterprise now produces teas targeting hormonal balance, blood pressure, diabetes, and prostate health. She blends these with indigenous herbs like Prunus africana and Warburgia ugandensis, known for their proven medicinal properties.
From Mortar and Pestle to Mechanized Processing
The journey hasn’t been without challenges. Judith began as an artisanal processor, using basic tools to produce small quantities of flour and tea. Winning the NSSF Innovator Award allowed her to acquire machinery and scale production significantly; from 200 to 600 kilograms per month.
Crucial to this progress was training she received from the Agribusiness Development Centre, supported by dfcu Bank. “They helped me update my strategic plan. That played a big part in positioning me to win the Innovator Award,” she explains.
Judith has also invested in personal development. She completed a two-year certified herbalist course under Uganda’s Ministry of Health and is currently finalizing product certification with the National Drug Authority (NDA).
Changing Perceptions of Herbal Medicine
One of her toughest challenges has been overcoming public scepticism, especially among Uganda’s urban elite. “Many still associate herbal medicine with witchcraft,” she says. “But when I use scientific language and show evidence-based results, people begin to understand and trust the products.”
She notes that this trust often snowballs. “One customer can bring in their entire family including parents, siblings, and friends. That ripple effect has been powerful in growing my customer base.”
Growing Beyond Borders
From Luuka to the Netherlands: The Rise of a Farmer Redefining Agribusiness in UgandaJudith markets her products primarily through social media platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook and regularly participates in local and international exhibitions. In 2023, she exhibited in Cologne, Germany, one of Europe’s largest wellness expos, as well as events in Nairobi and Kampala.
She’s also built international partnerships. A standout is her collaboration with Dutch company Fiber Foods, for which she supplies up to 20,000 kilograms of tender jackfruit every two weeks. Together, they have developed jackfruit-based products now exported to Europe. The partnership is now exploring new research on oyster nuts to create additional value-added offerings.
Locally, Judith works with the National Forestry Resources Research Institute (NaFORRI) on projects exploring the economic potential of jackfruit.
Herbal Medicine’s Time is Now
Judith believes the herbal sector is on the rise, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. “The pandemic shifted public opinion. People started to appreciate the healing power of natural remedies,” she says.
With growing global demand for plant-based alternatives and wellness products, she sees massive export potential for Uganda. “Europe is moving away from meat. Jackfruit is now a top substitute and is even used in baked goods. Uganda can be a key supplier.”
A Call to Action
To financial institutions and policymakers, Judith has a clear message: support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). “We started with mortars and pestles. Today we’re mechanized and exporting to Europe. That’s the impact of strategic investment and training.”
She credits dfcu Bank and its partners for playing a key role in her transformation. “Their support has been invaluable. I encourage continued investment in enterprises like mine—we’re ready to take Uganda’s herbal industry to the world.”
Judith Bakirya’s story is a testament to the power of passion, innovation, and partnership in unlocking the full potential of Uganda’s agriculture and wellness sectors. With the right support, more farmers can follow in her footsteps and elevate indigenous knowledge to the global stage.
