Kamuli, Uganda: A community-based Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisation (SACCO) in Kamuli District has distributed 600 improved Sasso chicks worth Shs6 million to 120 farmers under the Kisaikye East and West Development SACCO in a bid to improve household incomes and promote economic empowerment.
The beneficiaries, drawn from several villages in Kavule A Zone, Kisaikye Parish, Namasagali Sub-county, received one-month-old Sasso chicks as part of an initiative aimed at enhancing poultry production while addressing economic gender-based violence through sustainable livelihoods.
Presiding over the handover, Julius Ntende, the Patron of Kisaikye East and West Development SACCO, urged the beneficiaries to embrace modern farming practices, acquire agricultural knowledge and specialize in poultry production to maximise returns.
“Agricultural products are highly valued and in great demand globally and I therefore strongly encourage you to establish market associations to improve both the production and marketing of these goods, as the chicks provided to you possess high value, resilience, and strong market appeal,” Ntende said.
He encouraged farmers to form producer associations to strengthen collective marketing instead of selling their products individually, noting that organised marketing improves bargaining power and profitability.
Ntende observed that despite the economic challenges affecting the agricultural sector, quality poultry farming remains a viable enterprise capable of supplying both domestic and regional markets.
“Economic challenges are increasing, but this should encourage us to produce more quality birds capable of meeting demand in domestic, regional and international markets through organised agricultural marketing,” he said.
The business economist also advised farmers to build strong social and professional networks that can create opportunities for growth and investment.
“As a business economist and scholar, I strongly encourage you to cultivate social capital with individuals of substantial influence rather than those who are merely recipients. Additionally, it is important to maintain an optimistic outlook rather than pessimism,” Ntende said.
He further encouraged the beneficiaries to add value to their products by maintaining high production standards, observing professionalism and embracing good business practices.
“Consistently maintain relevance by strategically positioning yourselves at the most opportune moments,” he added.
The beneficiaries welcomed the support, describing it as a significant step towards improving household incomes and reducing financial dependence.
Samuel Kyebogola, one of the beneficiaries, said the project would strengthen livelihoods and expand poultry farming among rural households.
Hawa Kawala said the intervention would particularly empower women economically and help address cases of gender-based violence driven by financial dependence.
“We are sure that this is a milestone achievement in our long journey to attain economic independence from our husbands who have been battering us for a long time and believe it’s the genesis of our breakthrough,” Kawala said.
Poultry farming has increasingly become one of the government’s priority enterprises under Uganda’s agricultural transformation agenda due to its relatively low start-up costs, quick returns on investment and growing demand for poultry products.
Agricultural experts say improved breeds such as Sasso chickens are preferred because of their fast growth, high survival rates, good egg production and adaptability to local farming conditions, making them suitable for both smallholder and commercial farmers.
The SACCO leadership expressed optimism that the initiative would strengthen food security, improve household incomes and promote economic resilience among rural communities in Kamuli District.
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