AMOLATAR – With a press card in one hand and a hoe in the other, veteran journalist Ronald Alele is proving that the pen is not mightier than the plough it’s just a different kind of harvest. By July, Alele expects to earn over Uganda Shillings 6 million from his 10-hectare maize farm, a venture he says is quietly reshaping his financial future.
Alele, who is based in Amolatar District as a journalist, now practices farming to secure his income. He planted the DK 777 maize seed variety on his land in early March, and the crop is already flourishing, with harvesting scheduled for July.
“The maize is doing very well. I am planning to sell at a good price in Soroti City and Busia Town markets,” Alele said from his farm in Amolatar. With current maize prices favourable, the projected 6 million shillings will serve as a significant top-up to his earnings from the newsroom.
Alele is categorical: he has not abandoned journalism. Rather, he has embraced agriculture as a supplementary income stream, a buffer against the unpredictable nature of media work.
“I practice agriculture to supplement my income. Journalism pays, but it can be inconsistent. Farming gives me peace of mind,” he explained.
His choice of DK 777 “a high-yield, drought-tolerant variety” has been key. Planted just before the first rains in early March, the crop is now tall, evenly spaced, and free from major pest or disease outbreaks, according to local agricultural officers who recently toured the farm in Amolatar.
Beyond the harvest figures, Alele is using his growing platform to deliver a sharp message to Uganda’s youth.
“I advise young people to desist from laziness and embrace hard work. Farming is not a punishment; it is an opportunity,” he said.
To his colleagues in the media, he offered an even more pointed challenge: while you practice journalism, also think of having side businesses to supplement your income.
“Don’t wait for a salary alone. The newsroom can close tomorrow. Your farm “or your small business” will still be there,” Alele added.
With the harvest two months away, Alele is already scouting for buyers. Soroti City offers a ready market for bulk maize, while Busia Town provides access to cross-border traders heading to Kenya. He is also open to partnerships.
For business ideas, partnerships, or inquiries, Alele can be reached on 0780917095.
Ronald Alele has worked as a journalist for several years, covering community and business news, and is currently based in Amolatar District in Northern Uganda. He describes himself as a “practical journalist”, one who reports on wealth creation while also creating wealth. His 10-hectare farm is located in Amolatar, where he has gradually expanded from just one hectare in 2021.
While many in the media rely solely on freelance payments or monthly retainers, Alele’s maize project is proof that even busy professionals can manage productive land, with early planning, the right seeds, and disciplined labour.
