agriculture 20 July 2026 Nile Post

SAYE Poultry Project Empowers Busoga Youth, Combating Unemployment

The Stimulating Agribusiness for Youth Employment (SAYE) project in Uganda's Busoga sub-region is transforming lives by providing affordable financing and training for youth in poultry farming, leading to sustainable incomes and significant reductions in unemployment. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/357849/saye-poultry-project-gives-busoga-youth-a-sustainable-path-out-of-unemployment

Young people in Uganda’s Busoga region are finding a sustainable path out of unemployment through the Stimulating Agribusiness for Youth Employment (SAYE) project. This Shs2 billion initiative offers youth groups low-interest loans at 1.8 percent, enabling them to invest in agricultural ventures like poultry farming.

One notable success story is Nicholas Bamutaze, a 32-year-old from Jinja District. After training, he formed the Buwera Youth Striving Group. With SAYE’s support, including initial inputs and feed for chicks up to the laying stage, the group has established a thriving poultry farm. Despite starting with 600 chicks and facing some losses, they now collect over 200 eggs daily, generating a daily net income of around Shs30,000 after deducting costs.

Bamutaze highlighted the crucial role of the feed support, calling it a “game changer” that addresses a major challenge for small-scale farmers. Similar positive outcomes are being reported by other youth groups across Busoga, who have accessed financing through partner Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisations (SACCOs) like Nakanyonyi SACCO.

The SAYE project also emphasizes inclusivity, supporting vulnerable groups, including individuals with disabilities. Ritah Nandhego, for instance, supplements her hairdressing business with poultry farming to support her family and education costs.

Project leaders state that the intervention not only boosts household incomes but also strengthens community financial systems. “We are addressing unemployment by empowering youth to engage in agriculture,” said Ronald Musisi, Technical Team Leader of the SAYE Credit Fund. Catherine Namulondo, General Manager of Nakanyonyi SACCO, confirmed a significant increase in SACCO membership and youth participation in commercial agriculture, with over Shs100 million disbursed to youth groups.

Beneficiaries are urging for the expansion of the program to other districts, believing it has the potential to drastically reduce youth unemployment across Eastern Uganda. The SAYE project is successfully demonstrating that agriculture can be a viable business, creating jobs and transforming livelihoods in rural communities.