Lango beekeeper earns Shs150,000 per gram from bee venom

11 August 2026, 6:56 pm

By Regina Lalam & Bobson Opio

Lira City, Lango — A beekeeper in Omito, Lira City West Division, is turning beekeeping into a profitable venture and inspiring other farmers in Lango to explore the business.

Bob Ambrose Okello manages more than 30 beehives and says his apiary earns him more than Shs500,000 every quarter from honey sales alone.

Okello said he also harvests bee venom weekly using specialised equipment that stimulates bees to release the venom without harming them.

“I sell it per gram at between Shs130,000 and Shs150,000,” Okello said.

“The demand is high because bee venom is used in making medicines for arthritis, skincare products and other health treatments. It is a business that many people do not know about, but it is very profitable.”

With his business growing, Okello is urging fellow residents to embrace beekeeping.

“I urge the people of Lango to venture into beekeeping because they can earn a lot of money from it,” he said. “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 farm recently received a boost when Annemieke Timmerman, a beekeeping specialist from the Netherlands, visited under PUM Netherlands Senior Experts, an organisation that provides technical assistance to entrepreneurs in developing countries.

The Dutch expert shared advanced skills in hive management, venom harvesting, disease control and ways to maximise productivity.

“Having an expert from the Netherlands visit my farm is a great honour 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.”

Timmerman, who has extensive experience in commercial beekeeping, said she was optimistic about the potential of beekeeping in Lango.

With proper training and modern techniques, she believes local farmers can increase yields and access international markets.

Industry observers say beekeeping remains an underutilised venture in Northern Uganda despite its potential to alleviate poverty and promote economic empowerment.

With successful farmers such as Okello leading by example, alongside support from international experts, the future of the sector in the region looks promising.

For now, Okello continues tending his hives with renewed energy, harvesting honey and venom and hoping his story will inspire the next generation of beekeepers in Lango.