Kiira Municipality — A poultry farmer in Kiira Municipality has emerged as one of the success stories of the Office of the National Chairman (ONC) empowerment programme, transforming a modest government-supported project into a thriving commercial enterprise that now employs local residents and generates millions of shillings in income.
During a monitoring visit on Tuesday, officials from the ONC, led by Senior Presidential Advisor on Political Affairs and Manager of the Office of the NRM National Chairman, Hadijah Namyalo Uzeiye, visited the poultry farm of Mr Wasswa Abdul Karim Tamale in Kitukutwe Village, where they assessed the progress of the enterprise established under the programme.
Mr Tamale received 200 chickens and feed for 400 chicks from the ONC in June 2023 as part of a broader initiative aimed at improving household incomes through income-generating projects.
Two years later, the project has expanded significantly. The farmer now manages more than 7,000 birds on two acres of land and says the enterprise earns about Shs12 million every 35 days.
The farm has also created employment opportunities, with five people directly employed, while several others benefit through related activities within the poultry value chain.
Speaking during the visit, Mr Tamale attributed the growth of the enterprise to commitment, discipline and close supervision.
“Poultry farming requires dedication and constant monitoring. Farmers should not leave everything to workers if they want to succeed,” he said.
He thanked President Yoweri Museveni and Hajjat Namyalo for supporting initiatives aimed at improving household incomes and promoting self-reliance among Ugandans.
Mr Tamale said the support he received provided the foundation upon which he was able to build a sustainable business.
The ONC empowerment programme was launched to support youth, women and other vulnerable groups with start-up capital and livelihood projects as part of efforts to combat poverty and unemployment.
Addressing residents, Hajjat Namyalo said Mr Tamale’s achievement demonstrates the potential of empowerment programmes when beneficiaries fully embrace the opportunities provided.
“When we launched this programme in 2023, some people questioned whether it would make a difference. Today, we can point to practical results. Karim has built a successful enterprise that is generating income and creating jobs,” she said.
She encouraged young people to utilise government empowerment programmes and invest in productive ventures capable of generating sustainable incomes.
According to Namyalo, the programme is intended to provide beneficiaries with a starting point, while long-term success depends on commitment, innovation and hard work.
Observers say Mr Tamale’s progress highlights the growing role of commercial poultry farming in improving household incomes and creating employment opportunities, particularly among young people.
From an initial stock of 200 birds, the farmer has built a business with more than 7,000 chickens in just two years, a development that programme officials cite as evidence of the potential impact of targeted livelihood interventions when combined with effective management and entrepreneurial discipline.