From Landlord to Tenant: My Life With Bees

Inspecting a newly arrived "tenant".

Back in Uganda, trapping bees was more than a skill. It was a way of life. I learned the art of catching swarms and absconding colonies using the traditional rattan hives, and over time, it became second nature. Every time a new swarm arrived, it felt like welcoming new tenants into a home I had prepared. They came buzzing with energy, restless but grateful for shelter, and I stood there as their landlord, quietly proud to offer them a place in their time of need.

The arrangement was simple. My tenants paid their rent in honey, leaving me a portion of their sweet harvest as gratitude for the roof over their heads. But like any responsible landlord, I understood there were hard seasons too. During the dearth, when nectar was scarce and flowers were few, I never collected. Survival came first. They needed everything they produced, and I respected that.

I often inspected the hives from the back, not to disturb, but to check that my tenants were comfortable, settled, and thriving. There was a quiet satisfaction in seeing them work, grow, and flourish in the homes I provided. It was never just about keeping bees. It was about living in rhythm with them, building trust, and sharing in both their abundance and their struggle.

Now, as I work on bringing this spirit into my Bee Education Centre, I carry these stories with me. Beekeeping is not only about honey. It’s about relationships, patience, and learning from one of nature’s most incredible communities.

Stay tuned. I’ll be sharing more of these stories—both from my past in Africa and my new journey here. And if you’d like to hear more, get in touch with me. Together, let’s keep the storytelling alive, and maybe you’ll see bees the way I do: not just as insects, but as tenants who teach us what it means to live, give, and endure.