Akundwe Sarah graduated in 2021 from Mbarara University of Science and Technology. She studied Bachelor of Science in Agriculture. Like it is the case with many other fresh graduates in Uganda, Akundwe was jobless for more than a year. However, she saw light at the end of the tunnel when her best friend shared with her a WhatsApp text message that was encouraging professionals who had graduated within the last three years to apply for a training opportunity.

“My application was successful, and I was attached to Kagiira Skills Development Centre for training. Hadn’t it been my friend’s effort, I wouldn’t be here today,” she says.

Her area of focus was horticulture. She learnt how to grow and manage different types of vegetables and spices. She was also trained in the production of organic fertilizers and pesticides. The pesticides are made from a mixture of rabbit urine and herbs.

“Whoever had an idea was given a chance to innovate with the guidance of our supervisors. When I came here, I found that animal waste was not being utilised so I brought in an innovation and started making manure out of it,” she says.

Her pesticides and fertilisers have become a household name for several farmers in Western Uganda.

“I receive orders from farmers in Ibanda, Fort Portal, Kyenjojo Bushenyi and Kamwenge and Mbarara. Farmers who have appreciated the quality of my products also refer their friends to the centre,” she says.

Kagiira Skills Development Centre is in the process of seeking Uganda Bureau of Standards certification of the products so that they can legally penetrate the market. When she is not engaged at Kagiira, she offers extension services to farmers’ groups.

“I can’t take a day without a farmers group contacting me on phone to go and train them how to make organic mature and pesticides,” she says.

Akundwe who now heads the Department of horticulture at Kagiira Skills Development Centre trains students in horticulture. According to her, a good future is in agriculture.

“I don’t think a banker is better than me. I’m my own boss and I can generate a lot of money from agriculture, but it needs passion,” she says.

Akundwe used part of her savings to purchase half an acre of coffee plantation. She also practices piggery to supplement her income.