Early Life: Peter Baguma was born on November 05th, 1992, in the Village of Miranga, Kiburara Parish, and Hakibale Sub- County of Kabarole District-Uganda. From a young age, it was clear that Peter possessed a curiosity and passion for understanding how things worked. Growing up in a modest neighborhood, Peter’s parents are both farmers, fostered a supportive environment that encouraged learning and exploration.
Social/Personal Life: Peter is married to only one wife (Pretty Kabagambe) with four children (Jovan -10 years, Joan-8 years, Jim-3 years, and Joy-4 months) two boys and two girls. Jovan and Joan go to St. Jude Primary School in Form 3. Peter is a Rotarian from Rotary Club of Kabarole, D9213 and he is a Director of Service Projects. Despite the demands of a busy career, Peter values work-life balance. In his free time outside the realm of farming and innovation, Peter likes playing Board games (Chess), reading and spending quality time with family and friends.
Academic Pursuits: Driven by an insatiable thirst for knowledge, Peter started his Primary one (P.1) in 1998 at Kiburara Primary School in Kabarole District, after Primary Leaving Examination (PLE), He joined Senior one (S.1) or O’Level, at Maddox SS in Kyenjojo district on February 2006, after obtaining Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) in 2009, He joined Advanced Level (A’Level) at Nyakasura School in 2010 where he obtained Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE).Peter excelled in schools, particularly in subjects related to science. It was during high school that Peter won the regional science fair organized by Uganda National Council for Higher Education with a groundbreaking project on renewable energy (Biogas Production Project), showcasing an early penchant for innovation.
University Years: After UACE, Peter pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture (Bsc.Agric.) at Mountains of the Moon University (MMU). During this time, Peter engaged in cutting-edge research, focusing on “assessing the factors limiting efforts to eradicate poverty among subsistence farmers in Kabarole district”,Peter graduated with a Bachelors degree of Science in Agriculture (Bsc. Agric. Second Class Upper Honors) in September 2016. Peter also pursued various short courses from the same University which among others include; a short course in project planning and management, project Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E), public administration and management and animal healthy, diseases and parasitology.
Leadership Experience: Peter was elected University Guild President for Mountains of the Moon University (MMU) in the year 2015-2016(May-May) a position he held for one year, after serving as a Chairperson for Mountains of the Moon University Toro Student’s Association (MUTOSA) in 2015, he is now the current former Chairperson for Land Planning and Development Committee at All Saints Nsorro Church Of Uganda (COU) in Kijura Town Council, Kabarole District, also the current former PTA Chairperson for St. Peters Nursery and Primary School in Kijura Town Council of Kabarole District.
Entrepreneurial Spirit: Following graduation, Peter founded a startup, Souvenir Agro-input and consultancy Firm in Kijura-Kabarole district. He wanted to solve the farmer’s problems of pests and diseases and providing advisory services to the farmers in that community. Peter also started growing crops (Irish potatoes and Maize) for commercial purposes to get money. These two businesses became the main source of family income at the time.
Innovations and Impact: Over the years, Peter has been at the forefront of Transforming Farmers in the rural communities of Uganda through training them on sustainable Good Agronomic Practices (GAPs), Farming as Business and post-harvest handling Practices to avoid post-harvest food loss for livelihood improvement.
Peter is a dedicated agronomist with a passion for transforming the agricultural landscape of Uganda. His most significant professional experience has been with ITI, a non-governmental organization, where he served as an agronomist for four years up to date. This tenure at ITI has been the cornerstone of his career, allowing him to work on the impactful "Transforming Ugandan Farmers (TUF)" Project.
In his role under the TUF Project, Peter was deeply involved in training farmers in Good Agronomic Practices (GAP), ensuring they could maximize their productivity and sustainability. He provided guidance on "Farming as a Business," helping farmers understand the economic aspects of agriculture, from investment to profit-making. His expertise extended to storage and post-harvest handling practices, crucial areas that significantly reduce losses and increase the quality of produce. Additionally, Peter plays a pivotal role in marketing and market system development, equipping farmers with the skills to navigate market dynamics and achieve better prices for their produce. He also supports the implementation of the Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) model, which empowered farmers financially by promoting savings and providing access to loans.
Peter's work primarily focused on farmers organized into groups, with a particular emphasis on maize and beans value chains. His efforts contributed to improving the livelihoods of many farmers in Kamwenge communities and beyond, enhancing their agricultural practices, and increasing their incomes. The experience and skills he gained at ITI have profoundly shaped his professional journey, equipping him with the knowledge and expertise necessary to make a tangible impact in the field of agriculture.
In addition to his role at ITI, Peter is also a committed Rotarian with the Rotary Club of Kabarole, where he serves as the Director of Service Projects. In this capacity, he is responsible for overseeing all community service projects implemented by the club. His leadership in this role has been instrumental in driving initiatives that address the needs of the community, furthering the Rotary Club's mission of service above self.
Through his work with ITI, the TUF Project, and the Rotary Club of Kabarole, Peter has not only advanced his career but has also made significant contributions to the development of his community. His dedication to service and professional growth continues to inspire those around him.
Working Experience: Beyond the boardroom, Peter has worked with various organizations and accomplished several assignments. He worked with SNV-The Netherlands Development Organization as a Project officer under the Project of Agriculture and market support for 1 year, worked at Toro and Mityana Tea Company (TAMTECO) as a Field Manager for 3 years, worked with Rwenzori Forum for Peace and Justice (RFPJ) as a consultant in agronomy leading Trainers in watermelon growing project in areas around Fort Portal Tourism City for one year. Worked with Innovations for Transformation Initiative (ITI-Uganda) as an Agronomist under Transforming Ugandan Farmers (TUF) Project for 4 years to date,
Peter was selected among 12 early career professionals and advanced university students from East Africa, Europe, and the United States to participate in a workshop aimed at designing and managing sustainable rural livelihood development programs at IOWA State University in Kamuli district of Uganda.
His career goals revolve around fostering self-sufficient and resilient rural communities that thrive harmoniously with their natural environments through farming activities. He is dedicated to empowering local farmers with the knowledge, skills and resources necessary to improve their livelihoods and contribute to the overall prosperity of their communities through Transforming Ugandan Farmers (TUF) Project.