Proscovia Nabasumba
Amid high youth unemployment in Uganda, Lule Ivan, a self-employed farmer from Bukelere village, Wakiso district, has discovered a lucrative way to make a living through raising pigs on a small scale but for commercial purposes. Ivan’s piggery farm, which he started in 2020 with just two piglets, has grown to a drove of four well-grown females, one boar, and a litter of twelve piglets.
“Pigs have helped bring me more needed income that I did not have, which has enabled me to support my mother and siblings and also try out other projects,” Lule said.
According to Lule, pigs are the easiest domesticated animals that can yield quick profits for a farmer if well taken care of. With a good breed, the returns are high, and one should be expectant of returns at only 7 months.
Lule has skillfully learned to take care of the animals, ensuring that the pigsties are always clean, with herbs and breeding feed available; this for him, is a daily routine. He attests to the unwavering dedication to the business that has earned him financial relief, enabling him to support his siblings and family.
“Piggery has been a blessing,” Ivan said, adding that “it requires a lot of attention and care, especially when the pigs are young.”
With well-cultivated profits, Lule has added ‘God’s Family’, a performing arts group to the list of his business ventures, a move he asserts “has made things even better given the demand for performing arts in the area.”
The group has become an avenue for school fees and home welfare, and has even recorded performances at Kololo during the National Prayer Altar meeting. “We no longer toil with food and school fees because of Ivan’s efforts,” said Ms. Deborah Nakanwangi, Lule’s mother. “We even managed to bring electricity to the home thanks to Ivan’s piggery business.”
Lule is now an inspiration to many youth in the area who have sought training from him. As a trainer and youth empowerment champion in the community, Lule is influencing young people to live a modestly better life, keeping them away from drugs and alcohol.
With the right approach, piggery can be a lucrative business, providing a steady income and improving livelihoods. Ivan’s success story is an inspiration to many, and a reminder that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.
Piggery is a significant agricultural activity in Uganda, providing a source of income and food for many households. The pig industry has grown in recent years, driven by increasing demand for pork and pork products.
Pigs are raised in various parts of Uganda, with small-scale farmers contributing significantly to production. The demand for pork is high, driven by population growth, urbanization, and changing dietary preferences. Piggery provides income opportunities for farmers, especially youth and women, and contributes to the country’s economy.
