LIRA CITY, Uganda — In a remarkable story of agricultural enterprise, Bob Ambrose Okello, a beekeeper based in Omito, Lira City West Division, is reaping significant rewards from his beekeeping venture, earning substantial income not only from honey but also from the highly lucrative bee venom trade.
Okello, who manages more than 30 beehives, has revealed that his apiary business generates over 500,000 shillings quarterly from honey sales alone. However, it is the bee venom — a product increasingly sought after in the global pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries — that has proven to be a game-changer for his enterprise.
Speaking to our reporter, Okello explained that he harvests venom weekly, selling it at an impressive price of between 130,000 and 150,000 shillings per gram. The venom, collected using specialized equipment that gently stimulates bees to release their venom without harming them, has opened up a new and profitable income stream for the enterprising farmer.
"I harvest venom weekly, and I sell it per gram at between 130,000 and 150,000 shillings," Okello said with visible excitement. "The demand is high because bee venom is used in making medicines for arthritis, skin care products, and other health treatments. It is a business that many people do not know about, but it is very profitable."
With his success story growing, Okello is now on a mission to inspire others in the Lango sub-region to venture into beekeeping. He emphasized that the potential for earning substantial income from the practice is immense and urged the people of Lango to seize the opportunity.
"I urge the people of Lango to venture into bee keeping because they can earn a lot of money from it," he said passionately. "You do not need a huge investment to start. Even with a few hives, you can begin earning. The market for honey and venom is there, and it is growing."
Okello's appeal comes at a time when his farm received a significant boost from an international expert. Annemieke Timmerman, a beekeeping specialist from the Netherlands, recently visited his farm under the auspices of PUM Netherlands Senior Experts — a organization that provides technical assistance to entrepreneurs in developing countries.
The Dutch expert, who was sent to help share advanced beekeeping skills and techniques, spent time at Okello's farm, offering valuable insights on hive management, venom harvesting, disease control, and how to maximize productivity.
"Having an expert from the Netherlands visit my farm is a great honor and a huge opportunity," Okello added. "She has shared skills that will help me improve my production and earn even more. I am grateful to PUM for this support."
Annemieke Timmerman, who has extensive experience in commercial beekeeping, expressed optimism about the potential of beekeeping in the Lango region. She noted that with proper training and modern techniques, local farmers could significantly increase their yields and tap into international markets.
Industry observers note that beekeeping remains an underutilized agricultural venture in Northern Uganda, despite its immense potential for poverty alleviation and economic empowerment. With successful farmers like Bob Okello leading the way and international experts offering support, the future of beekeeping in the region looks bright.
For now, Okello continues to tend to his hives, harvesting honey and venom with renewed energy and optimism, confident that his story will inspire many others to follow in his footsteps.
