Young farmers across Uganda’s Busoga sub-region are benefiting from a major boost to poultry farming following a targeted intervention by the National Animal Genetic Resources Centre and Data Bank (NAGRC&DB). Implemented at Kasolwe Stock Farm in Kamuli District, the initiative aims to modernize poultry production, improve rural livelihoods, and enhance food security, with a strong focus on youth participation. The programme attracted hundreds of young farmers and smallholders eager to access improved poultry breeds and technical support, highlighting growing interest in agriculture as a viable business for Uganda’s youth.
Central to the initiative was the distribution of 50,000 Kuroiler chickens, a dual-purpose breed valued for both meat and egg production. Kuroilers are particularly well suited to smallholder systems due to their strong disease resistance, adaptability to local conditions, and fast growth. With proper management, a single hen can produce up to 200 eggs per year while also providing quality meat, ensuring farmers benefit from multiple income streams. Their resilience reduces mortality rates, making them ideal for young and first-time farmers seeking reliable returns.
In addition to improved birds, beneficiaries received essential inputs such as fertility-enhancing mineral salts and artificial insemination kits. These resources support genetic improvement and enable farmers to produce healthier, higher-performing poultry over the long term. By combining superior breeds with modern breeding technologies, the initiative addresses key challenges facing Uganda’s poultry sector, including disease pressure, poor nutrition, and limited access to quality stock.
The programme was officially presided over by Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Alitwala Kadaga, who reaffirmed the government’s commitment to youth empowerment and agricultural transformation. She emphasized that poultry farming presents a practical opportunity for young Ugandans to generate income, strengthen household food security, and reduce unemployment in rural areas. Kadaga encouraged participants to adopt best management practices and approach poultry farming as a serious commercial enterprise.
Kasolwe Stock Farm has increasingly positioned itself as a centre of excellence for poultry breeding, multiplication, and farmer training. The facility provides hands-on instruction in housing design, vaccination programs, feed formulation, disease control, egg production, and biosecurity. By pairing practical training with access to improved genetics, the farm is helping farmers build sustainable and profitable poultry operations.
Community-based organizations, including Uganda First, played a key role in mobilizing more than 139 farmer groups to participate in the programme. This collective approach promotes collaboration, peer learning, and knowledge sharing among young farmers. Participants expressed strong optimism, noting that access to high-yield breeds and technical guidance significantly improves their chances of building successful poultry businesses.
The initiative also highlights the broader economic potential of poultry farming in Uganda. With proper management, even small flocks can provide steady income through egg sales, meat production, and local trade. By prioritizing youth involvement, NAGRC&DB is ensuring that the next generation of farmers can leverage poultry farming as a pathway to economic empowerment while contributing to national food security.
Overall, the Kasolwe initiative demonstrates how targeted support—combining quality genetics, modern technology, and skills development—can unlock the potential of youth-led poultry farming. It marks an important step toward building a resilient, inclusive, and productive agricultural sector in Uganda.
