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Enabel backs review of fisheries regulations to promote sustainable fishing in Uganda
Jovia KAVULU | 15/05/2025
Enabel facilitated a two-day workshop in Kampala on April 29 and 30, where key players in Uganda’s fisheries sector gathered to review the country’s draft Fisheries and Aquaculture Regulations. The workshop was organised by the Uganda Fish Processors and Exporters Association (UFPEA) and it brought together participants from government, the private sector, fishing communities, and development partners.The draft regulations are part of efforts to implement the Fisheries and Aquaculture Act of 2023 and align with the 2018 national policy. They aim to address illegal fishing, protect aquatic ecosystems, and improve livelihoods in fishing communities.Valentina Moltisanti, an Agribusiness and Green Agriculture Expert at Enabel, said that Enabel was pleased to support the review as part of its broader work of promoting green and inclusive job creation.“The fish value chain was identified as a priority for the Busoga region because of its strong potential to create decent jobs for youth and women,” she said. She added that Enabel’s support aligns with Uganda’s Development Agenda, which recognizes the fisheries sector as a major contributor to GDP, employment, and food security.Participants stressed the urgency of the reforms, citing figures that show Uganda loses more than Shs5.5 trillion each year due to illegal fishing, with much of the trade flowing through unregulated routes such as the Mpondwe border point. These losses undermine both the national economy and the sustainability of fish stocks.State Minister for Fisheries, Hellen Adoa, emphasized the need for strong enforcement mechanisms and adequate funding to ensure sustainable management of the sector.The Chief Executive Officer of UFPEA, William M. Tibyasa thanked Enabel for its support, noting that the workshop came at a critical time. He said the review process provided a valuable opportunity for stakeholders to shape regulations that address key concerns in the sector and improve the quality of Uganda’s fish exports.Participants also called for inclusive implementation of the regulations, with meaningful involvement of women, youth, and minority groups. The outcomes of the workshop will be submitted to the Directorate of Fisheries Resources at the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) for further action.This initiative is part of Enabel’s WeWork Project, which promotes green and decent jobs for youth across Uganda and reflects the agency’s commitment to supporting sustainable and inclusive economic development.
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Enabel partners with De Heus to transform the fish value chain in Uganda
Dorothy KYAMAZIMA | 14/05/2025
We’re thrilled to announce a new partnership with De Heus Uganda Ltd, a global leader in animal nutrition, to strengthen Uganda’s fish value chain. This partnership combines De Heus’s expertise in aquaculture and its state-of-the-art aquafeed plant near Jinja with Enabel’s commitment to sustainable development, aiming to address key challenges in the sector. The partnership will focus on:· Sustainable raw material procurement: Establishing efficient outgrower schemes, ensuring local farmers benefit directly. · Youth empowerment: Providing young people with practical skills and employment opportunities within the fish industry. · Innovative research: Exploring alternative protein sources for fish feed. · Green Practices: Promoting operational efficiency processes during feed formulation ensuring sustainable production. · SME development: Strengthening the capacity of small and medium-sized fish producers to boost competitiveness and unlock growth potential. Together, Enabel and De Heus aim to create real change in the Busoga region by creating a more resilient and sustainable fish industry that benefits local communities and supports economic growth. This initiative is part of Enabel’s broader commitment to strengthening Uganda’s fish value chain, including support for reviewing Fisheries and Aquaculture regulations—an essential step toward sustainable fisheries management.
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Enabel strengthens Uganda’s health training with the SPICES Model.
Sharon IBENU | 12/05/2025
When Kiisa Cynthia Shanitah, a third-year nursing student of clinical medicine and community health at Fort Portal college of health sciences, walks into her classroom these days, she knows she won’t be sitting quietly in the back, scribbling notes from a long lecture. Instead, she’s likely to be engaged with classmates, debating the best way to manage a patient’s symptoms, or out in the community, learning firsthand about the challenges her future patients face. “It’s different from what I expected when I joined,” Kiisa says, her eyes lighting up. “We’re not just memorizing facts, lessons are systematic. We’re solving real problems, and I feel like I’m already making a difference.” Ms. Kiisa, is one of hundreds of students whose education has been transformed by the SPICES model-an innovative approach that’s sweeping through health training institutions. SPICES stands for “Student-centred, Problem-based, Integrated, Community-based, and Elective-driven and Systematic.” It’s a mouthful, but for students and teachers alike, it’s become a recipe for deeper learning and greater impact. The model enables the development of health professionals who are lifelong learners, can relate theory to real world challenges, work together to solve them and serve the needs of the community with compassion, courage and humility For years, health education just like any other, followed a familiar script: teachers lectured, students listened, and exams measured how much information had been absorbed. But as the demands on healthcare professionals have grown, so too has the need for a new approach. The WeTrain4Health project is working to ensure that we have both the numbers but also the quality of health workers we need to better promote equitable access to health care for all and improve maternal and child health statistics in Uganda. Ms. Namitego Juliet, a health tutor at Hoima school of nursing and midwifery noted that tutoring was no longer about the teachers because students are actively involved and stimulated to think critically. “When I started teaching, I realized my students needed more than just knowledge—they needed to know how to think, how to work together, and how to adapt. The SPICE model has come in handy. Now, I’m more of a facilitator than a tutor,” she says, adding that she guides discussions, poses questions and lets students find the answers.Pearl Mugala, the National pedagogy expert at Enabel noted that effective health education goes beyond transferring knowledge. It is about empowering students to think critically, engage actively, and apply their skills compassionately in real-world settings. “At Enabel, we are committed to strengthening pedagogical practices that prepare nursing and allied health students not just to pass exams, but to become confident, competent healthcare professionals who can transform communities across Uganda." As the SPICES model takes root, its impact is spreading, faculty are sharing best practices, and students are taking the lead in community projects. The hope is that this new generation of health professionals will be better prepared not just to treat illness, but to promote health and well-being in their communities. For Omach Harriet, a Health tutor at Jinja school of nursing and midwifery, “The SPICE model has given us a new way to teach, and a new way to learn. It’s exciting to be part of something that’s making a real difference. The model has helped me, and my colleagues manage the big numbers more easily.” Kabeera Peter a student at Fort portal college of health sciences sums it up: “We’re not just learning for exams. We’re learning for life, and for the people we’ll serve.”
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Belgium’s Foreign Affairs Minister Witnesses Impact of International Cooperation in Uganda
Dorothy KYAMAZIMA | 29/04/2025
On April 29th, Hon. Maxime Prévot, Belgium’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation, visited Uganda and was warmly received at the Ambassador’s residence in Kampala. During his visit, Enabel proudly showcased our ongoing work in Uganda, highlighting our commitment to inclusive and sustainable development. The visit was an opportunity to tell the story of Mary, a young Ugandan whose life has been positively transformed through several of Enabel’s interventions. Tackling Maternal Mortality: A Holistic Approach Under Pillar 2, we presented the 3 Delays Model, a framework addressing key barriers that contribute to maternal mortality: Delay 1 – Making Informed Health Choices Through Social Protection initiatives, such as Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA), communities have mobilised over UGX 800 million in savings. These savings empower families to be financially prepared, enhancing access to health services when they are most needed. Delay 2 – Reaching Health Facilities in Time The Mama Rescue App, a digital innovation, is bridging the gap between expectant mothers and timely healthcare. By connecting pregnant women with transport and medical help, the app is saving lives. Delay 3 – Receiving Adequate Health Care Projects like WeCare and WeTrain4Health are building the capacity of health workers and training institutions, ensuring quality maternal care across the country. Additionally, the WeLearn initiative is helping keep girls like Mary in school—tackling school dropout rates and promoting gender equality in education. Skills for the Future: Empowering Youth Pillar 1 focused on economic empowerment. We shared how both Mary and her peer Collins have benefited from life-changing skills through Enabel’s Life Skills and WeWork projects. These initiatives equip young people with market-relevant skills for employment and entrepreneurship, opening doors to dignified and self-reliant futures. This visit was a proud moment for Team Enabel, as we demonstrated the tangible results of Belgium’s development cooperation in Uganda—transforming lives, empowering communities, and building a more inclusive and resilient society.
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Enabel highlights green solutions at climate action summit in Uganda
Jovia KAVULU | 24/04/2025
Enabel joined a diverse group of climate actors at the Climate Action Summit held at the Social Innovation Academy (SINA) in Mpigi, Uganda. The event, organised by Youth Challenge International’s HerStart programme and Jangu International/SINA, took place on Earth Day, 22nd April 2025, and brought together environmental activists, youth innovators, policymakers, and researchers to explore practical solutions to the climate crisis. As a sponsor through its WeWork project, Enabel took the opportunity to share its ongoing work in sustainable development. Esther Magambo, Enabel’s Green Economy Expert, spoke about the organisation’s efforts to promote green jobs, sustainable construction, and climate resilience. She explained how Enabel supports young entrepreneurs and enterprises by encouraging the use of alternative building materials like bamboo and raising awareness about resource-efficient, environmentally friendly construction techniques. She also introduced Enabel’s climate-responsive design manifesto and an online platform offering tools and resources to support climate action. "We have developed a manifesto available on a climate website that offers resources and training courses for youth on climate response design", said Esther.The summit featured a series of panel discussions and interactive sessions. One of these was a workshop on the connection between gender and climate change, co-facilitated by Flavia Ajok, Enabel’s Gender and Inclusion Officer. The session encouraged participants to reflect on how climate initiatives can better respond to the needs of women and local communities. Group discussions focused on themes such as policy, education, and infrastructure, and participants shared ideas on how to make climate action more inclusive. The venue of the summit had beautiful bamboo buildings and structures made from recycled plastic bottles. Participants also had a chance to walk through a nearby bamboo forest, where they learned how bamboo can be used in environmentally friendly ways and how it can support green businesses. Enabel’s participation in the Climate Action Summit reflects its continued engagement in Uganda’s climate dialogue. The event offered a valuable platform to connect with other stakeholders and strengthen collaborations aimed at building a greener, more resilient future.
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Celebrating the faces behind every impact: Appreciation week sparks gratitude and connection at Enabel in Uganda.
Sharon IBENU | 02/04/2025
At Enabel, we firmly believe that our people are the driving force behind every success, every milestone, and every impact we create. Last week, laughter filled the corridors, handwritten notes of gratitude exchanged hands, while colleagues recognised one another during our much-anticipated Appreciation Week. Colleagues shared uplifting comments like " Thank you for always coming to work with a smile, it’s contagious" and "You have an amazing ability to make everyone smile no matter the situation." These simple yet powerful words reminded us of the importance of recognizing and valuing one another-not just for the work we do, but for the unique energy and spirit we bring to the team. For Peter Mark Nyanzi, an IT graduate trainee who has been with Enabel for just five months, the Appreciation Week was a transformative experience. "I felt good, happy, and loved. The fact that people see and value you is something I didn’t expect. People are soft and kind. I am happy to be part of this amazing family " he shared. Peter was not alone in being moved. Many others like Fred Muyanja, a driver, echoed similar sentiments: "I didn’t know that people appreciate the work I do. I am more motivated to do my job now and glad I received wonderful messages." For Fred, the week was a rare and meaningful moment of recognition that left a lasting impact. Rose Kato, the Enabel in Uganda Relations Stewart, summed it up perfectly: " The week reminded us that even in the busiest of times, taking a moment to acknowledge each other can have a profound impact. The smiles, laughter throughout the week were a testament to the strength of our team spirit and the deep connections we share as colleagues. As we move forward, let’s carry the lessons of Appreciation Week with us. Let’s continue to celebrate each other, uplift one another, and create an environment where everyone feels valued. After all, it’s the people who make Enabel truly exceptional.” she noted. Enabel staff also marked International Women’s Day during the week by honouring and celebrating all the incredible women who are part of the organisation. It was a moment to reflect on the vital contributions of women in driving Enable's mission forward and to recognise their strength, resilience, and dedication. The celebration was a powerful reminder of the importance of gender equality and the value of creating an inclusive workplace where everyone thrives. Here’s to the incredible team that makes it all happen—thank you for being the heart of Enabel!
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New learning resources to transform schools in Busoga and Rwenzori regions of Uganda.
Sharon IBENU | 02/04/2025
For years, schools in the Busoga and Rwenzori regions have struggled to access adequate learning materials. Many students and teachers have had to rely on outdated or insufficient resources. For example, 10 students had to share one textbook, making learning difficult. To bridge this gap, Enabel in Uganda, through the WeLearn project, provided 18.403 textbooks and 80 desktop computers to 20 schools in the regions. In addition, Enabel provided 800.000 teacher guides and 40 internet access points equipment. These resources will improve the teaching and learning experience for both the students and the teachers. The headteacher of Masese Seed School, Hajat Aisha Male Yiga noted that the impact of the support was immediate. With overcrowded classrooms and limited resources, the new textbooks and computers have reduced the strain." Our classrooms, which were designed for 50 students, currently accommodate up to 120 learners, but these additional resources will ease the strain on our facilities. The donation of computers will finally allow our O’level students, who have been relying on theory-based ICT lessons, to gain practical skills. Our teachers are also now better equipped to deliver lessons effectively, thanks to the availability of more textbooks and the training through Enabel they have received in digital abilities." The new textbooks will improve syllabus coverage and foster better group work among students. “Previously, each textbook was shared by about 10 students, limiting their ability to fully engage with the material.” said Denis Waiguta, the Director of studies at Masese Seed School. Furthermore, the students now have access to updated and relevant content, enabling them to better understand key concepts and improve their academic performance. At Karangura Seed Secondary School in Kabarole district, where IT lessons were previously constrained by limited laptops, the new resources have improved learning conditions. Head teacher, Mr. Joseph Rwakibeede, described the support as a much-needed relief noting that the textbook sharing ratio had improved from 1:8 to 1:2. " I can now read and concentrate without anyone having to interrupt me for the books. " says Zainah Nanyanzi, a Senior three student at Karangura Seed Secondary School who wants to become a military doctor. The WeLearn project is part of Enabel’s broader mission to support Uganda’s education sector. Joeri Leysen, the project manager at Enabel, says “This is part of our commitment to ensuring that every child has access to quality education and the abilities they need to succeed in the 21st century." Mr. Denis Waiguta calls this “a game-changer.” He adds, “Now, our students can finally learn ICT practically, not just in theory.”
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Belgium-Uganda cooperation: Driving sustainable development
Dorothy KYAMAZIMA | 06/03/2025
Since 2000, Uganda has been a key partner in Belgium’s international development cooperation, with Enabel leading efforts to support the country’s development agenda. The 2023-2028 Belgium-Uganda Cooperation Programme, backed by an €84 million budget, focuses on strengthening the private sector, creating employment opportunities, and enhancing the role of the state in facilitating economic and social progress. In addition to its bilateral programme, Enabel also implements projects on behalf of the European Union, with an additional €42 million dedicated to sustainable business development and lower secondary education. Key priorities: investing in people and prosperity Enabel’s cooperation programme is designed to empower young people and women, equipping them with the skills and opportunities needed to become independent, engaged citizens in a society that upholds human rights and provides essential services. The programme is structured around two strategic pillars: Pillar 1: Green and Decent Jobs – Supporting entrepreneurship, innovation, and skills development to create sustainable employment opportunities, particularly for youth and women.Pillar 2: Education and Healthcare – Enhancing access to quality education and healthcare services to build a more inclusive and resilient society. Aligned with Uganda’s National Development Plan (NDP III) and the Parish Development Model (PDM), the cooperation programme contributes to the country’s long-term vision of inclusive growth and sustainable development. To learn more about our impact and initiatives, explore our brochure Enabel_in_Uganda_2024_Ed2_Web.pdf.
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Strengthening maternal healthcare in Uganda
Dorothy KYAMAZIMA | 06/03/2025
Enabel's collective effort to save lives Every day, 16 mothers lose their lives in Uganda due to complications related to pregnancy and childbirth - lives that could be saved with the right interventions. Maternal mortality continues to be a critical challenge in the country, driven by delays in seeking care, reaching health facilities, and receiving quality treatment. Recognizing the urgency of this issue, an EU delegation, led by Ms. Karolina Hedstrom (Head of Cooperation, EU to Uganda), visited Fort Portal City to strengthen partnerships and assess ongoing efforts to improve maternal healthcare. During the visit, Enabel showcased its integrated approach to addressing these three key delays, ensuring that more mothers receive the timely, accessible, and high-quality care they deserve. Delay 1: improving health choices A major barrier to maternal health in Uganda is the lack of awareness and preparedness among young people and communities. Many women delay seeking care due to misinformation, financial constraints, or cultural beliefs. Enabel is tackling this challenge by driving behavioural change through various initiatives, such as the Life Skills Toolkit, which equips young people with the knowledge, adaptability, and resilience needed to make informed health decisions. Key achievements include: 250 teachers trained across 43 secondary schools 11,000 learners reached in Phase 1 training (2024) Plans to expand to 50,000 students in 50 schools by 2027 Additionally, Enabel’s Saving for Health initiative under the Social Protection project is enhancing financial preparedness for health emergencies: 15,252 members trained in savings for health UGX 602M mobilized as a Savings for Health fund 503 groups (8,066 members) actively saving for health Delay 2: ensuring timely access to careFor many expectant mothers, distance and lack of reliable transport can mean the difference between life and death. Women in rural areas often face long journeys to health facilities, with limited or no access to emergency transportation when complications arise. Enabel, in partnership with Babies and Mothers Alive (BAMA), is implementing innovative solutions to ensure that pregnant women can reach health centers on time. Two impactful digital solutions have been introduced to address this challenge: Family Connect: A digital system that engages 40,000 expectant mothers in antenatal care through SMS notifications for upcoming visits. Currently, 5,908 women are enrolled in the system from Kabarole & Kasese. Mama Rescue App: This app connects pregnant women to boda boda riders for safe, fast transport to health centers during labor. To date, 134 mothers have been supported through this service. Delay 3: enhancing quality care at facilities Even when mothers do manage to reach health facilities, a lack of skilled personnel, essential equipment, and emergency preparedness can lead to preventable deaths. Many health centers in Uganda struggle with inadequate resources, limiting their ability to provide life-saving maternal and newborn care. To combat this, Enabel’s WeCare Initiative is strengthening healthcare facilities and improving service delivery at Ruteete Health Centre IV. The WeCare Initiative has made a significant impact at Ruteete Health Centre IV: Skilled birth deliveries increased from 258 to 345 (2023–2024) Antenatal coverage rose from 56% to 73% The facility was equipped with critical maternal and newborn care tools, including anaesthesia machines, incubators, emergency crash trolleys, and foetal dopplers High-Risk Clinics & Birth Preparedness Plans were introduced, boosting emergency response for at-risk mothers from 0% to 80% Through these efforts, Enabel and its partners are making maternal healthcare in Uganda more timely, accessible, and of higher quality, ultimately ensuring that more mothers and newborns receive the care they deserve. Together, we are enabling change and working towards a healthier future for Uganda’s mothers and their babies.
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Enabel holds kick-off workshop for WeWork project implementation in Uganda
Jovia KAVULU | 04/02/2025
Enabel has launched the implementation phase of the WeWork project, a key initiative aimed at equipping young people—especially women—with skills for decent and green jobs. The two-day kick-off workshop, held last month, brought together partner organizations to align expectations, provide practical understanding of the grant agreement, and equip partners with tools for effective project execution. The workshop gathered representatives from Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU), Cordaid, The Uganda National Agricultural (TUNADO), VSF Belgium, TRIAS, Windle International, AVSI Foundation, Illes de Paix, PRICON and SwissContact—organizations that will work with Enabel to implement the project. The sessions covered key topics such as financial and narrative reporting, procurement guidelines, fraud prevention, and communication for results.Through interactive presentations, group exercises, and plenary discussions, participants gained a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities. The WeWork project addresses barriers to youth employment by promoting Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), agriculture, and the green economy as viable career paths. By strengthening private sector capacity, enhancing productivity, and increasing value addition in key growth sectors, the project aims to train 20,000 youth, create or support 6,000 decent jobs, and secure employment for at least 30% of graduates within six to twelve months of completing training. The initiative is part of the broader Sustainable Business for Uganda (SB4U) programme under the Team Europe Initiative and is funded by the Belgian government and the European Union. Speaking at the workshop,Jan Hendrickx, the grants coordinator at Enabel emphasized a results-based approach to ensure the project achieves its objectives of supporting young people in skills development and job creation.Participants expressed their appreciation for the engaging and well-structured sessions, noting that the facilitators helped them grasp complex grant management concepts with ease. As the WeWork project moves forward, Enabel and its partners are committed to ensuring smooth implementation, effective collaboration, and tangible results that contribute to youth employment and economic growth in Uganda.
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Shakira is growing a poultry business for a better future in Uganda
Jovia KAVULU | 14/01/2025
Shakira Lunyolo started with just 10 hens, inspired by her friends who raised chickens and earned money from it. She learned the basics of poultry farming from them and received help to build a chicken house. In addition to her initial efforts, Enabel supported her with 30 more hens, feeders, drinkers, protective gear, a wheelbarrow, as well as chicken feeds and medicine. With this support, Shakira gained new skills, including how to mix and administer medicine to her hens. She now monitors the hens closely and takes good care of them. Her primary focus is egg production, and she plans to sell her first batch of eggs in early 2025. Shakira already has a market in mind. She will sell trays of eggs to local vendors, including those selling street food like "rolex" and chips, as well as at a nearby market. To attract customers, she plans to sell each tray at UGX 8,000, slightly below the market price of UGX 10,000. "I also expect to earn additional income from selling my older hens for UGX 25,000 each", Shakira adds.Currently living with her mother and raising two children, Shakira is optimistic about the future. She believes her poultry business will grow and eventually allow her to pay school fees for her children and support her family. “I see my business expanding in two years,” she says confidently, full of hope for the opportunities ahead.
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Supporting each other to live healthy and run a business in Uganda
Jovia KAVULU | 13/01/2025
The Kamuli Network of People Living with HIV was formed in 2020. It is a group of 25 members—17 women and 8 men—dedicated to supporting each other, not just in keeping up with their health, but in running and growing a business together. In 2022, the members decided to form a savings group and launched a poultry project. Each member contributed a membership fee of UGX 10,000 to kick-start the venture. Starting with just 30 birds, the group reared and sold them, restocked with 50, and later grew to 300 birds. They initially relied on limited knowledge shared by one of them who had some experience in poultry rearing. Even with this guidance, the group felt that they needed more professional mentorship and this came up just after they had sold off the 300 birds. MUCOBADI (Multi Community-based Development Initiative) and Enabel stepped in and offered invaluable training in Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) skills, poultry management, and business skills. In addition, they provided the group with practical tools and resources such as brooding pots, feeders, PPEs, two wheelbarrows, and a solar panel. Most importantly, they gave them 817 chicks, of which they successfully reared and sold 801, earning UGX 9,688,000 in revenue. The poultry house they use was offered by the mother of one member. Although the startup support gave the group a significant boost, they faced challenges, particularly with inadequate feed, which forced them to borrow money from their savings group. They took out a loan of UGX 4 million to ensure the birds were well-fed. The group’s commitment is evident in their collective decision-making and willingness to contribute personal funds to sustain the project. With plans to restock another 800 birds, they aim to avoid further loans and achieve financial independence. A male member proudly stated, “Now we can see where we are going. The startup kit we were given has boosted our business a lot.”
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A young Ugandan fish farmer with big plans
Jovia KAVULU | 13/01/2025
At just 16 years old, Baraka Kintu manages a fish pond while also attending school. The pond was a gift from his father, who worked with the family to dig it. This was after their land suffered from water damage due to a nearby dam. Baraka’s mother takes care of the pond during school time, so that Baraka can concentrate on this studies. The family had been practicing fish farming for 20 years but were constantly facing challenges. They would collected small fish from nearby swamps, but despite feeding them, the fish didn’t grow big, meaning that the family couldn't earn substantial income from them.Things changed when Enabel stepped in. They provided the family with 30 catfish and fish feeds. There was also a training session that Baraka’s mother attended on his behalf. The training covered proper feeding, pond management, and fish care. An extension worker now visits regularly to offer technical advice, and a Veterinarian helps treat sick fish by spraying medicine into the pond. Since the intervention, the results have been remarkable. Within just three days of receiving the new fish, eggs were spotted in the pond. The fish are thriving, thanks to better feed and improved care. Baraka’s family now plans to let the fish grow until they reach about a kilo each, ensuring a higher profit when sold. To protect the fish, the family is reinforcing the pond boundaries to prevent flooding and theft. Their neighbor, who also has a fish pond, installed security cameras, adding an extra layer of protection. The family now sells fish on the 23rd of each month but is currently holding off sales to let the fish grow bigger.The training also introduced the idea of frying unsold fish to preserve them for longer periods. With plans to fill their other dry ponds using the multiplying fish, Baraka is hopeful about expanding the fish farming business.
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Building a future with pig farming in Uganda
Jovia KAVULU | 13/01/2025
Joanita Nansamba started rearing pigs 8 years ago with a clear goal in mind: to save enough money to buy her own plot of land and move out of the one-roomed house she was renting. Her hard work paid off when she sold some pigs, bought land, and built a house where she now lives with her husband and children. In October 2024, Joanita attended a two-week training organised by MUCOBADI in partnership with Enabel. During the training, Joanita was guided on how to properly feed and care for pigs. “After the training, we were asked to return home and prepare to receive the pigs that they were going to donate to us,” she recalls. Along with three pigs, she received 45 kilograms of pig feed, two spades, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Since receiving the pigs, Joanita’s farming has been progressing smoothly. “Even when the pigs get sick, I just call MUCOBADI, and they send a Veterinary doctor to check on them,” she says. She emphasizes that they were advised not to use just any Veterinarian to treat the pigs, ensuring proper care for her livestock. Joanita once earned one million shillings from selling a single pig that she and her husband raised. She believes that nurturing pigs until they grow to a significant size ensures better income. The foreign breed pigs she received from Enabel are of high quality, and she is confident they will bring good returns. Pig farming has given Joanita the financial stability to pay her children’s school fees without worry. She aspires to inspire the youth in her community by growing her farm and showing them that hard work and commitment can lead to success.
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Patricia foresees expansion of her poultry business in Uganda
Jovia KAVULU | 13/01/2025
Patricia Baluka, a 30-year-old mother of two, used to focus on growing maize and beans. She later decided to try poultry farming, using savings she had accumulated from a women’s savings group. Patricia saved money from selling her produce and eventually borrowed from the group to buy two local chickens. By the time MUCOBADI (Multi Community-based Development Initiative) visited her, Patricia had grown her flock to five chickens. She was then invited to a two-week training organised by Enabel in partnership with MUCOBADI. After completing the training, Patricia received 50 chicks, which were three weeks old, along with essential items such as a wheelbarrow, a spade, drinkers, and feeders. “They asked me to prepare a place for the chickens, and by the time they brought them, I was ready,” Patricia explains. She appreciates the regular visits and veterinary services provided to ensure her poultry business is on the right track. Patricia rears the chickens for both eggs and meat. Her goal is to allow her hens to lay eggs and hatch chicks before she begins selling, ensuring she retains high-quality chickens for her business. So far, Patricia has faced minimal challenges, aside from occasional coughs among her hens. With the help of veterinary services, she has been able to treat them promptly. Patricia is optimistic about growing her poultry farm and is determined to build a sustainable business that supports her family.
