Jolly Kemiruka Twinamatsiko, a mother of three and a trained nurse, never imagined that leaving her profession would become the turning point for her family and community.
Today, she is the chairperson of Rwerere Women Entrepreneurs in Rukungiri district, running a thriving piggery enterprise that supports dozens of households.
“Up to now, I would not have reached my retirement time, but I decided to leave nursing and join business because we had school fees to pay,” Kemiruka says as she walks through her piggery. “We discovered that piggery benefits our families and the wider community.”
In 2021, Kemiruka and five other women received three pigs through the Rukungiri Producer Cooperative Union, with support from the Microfinance Support Centre (MSC).
What began as a small seed project has since grown into a strong women-led enterprise.
“We started with three pigs and took good care of them. We shared the piglets among members, and that is how the group grew,” she explains.
“Now we are 20 members, and each one has at least two pigs. We get manure for our banana and coffee plantations and income to pay school fees.”
Kemiruka’s farm has become a demonstration centre in the area, hosting more than 30 pigs and supplying over 100 piglets to other community groups, including Compassion Care Group. A mature pig sells for at least Shs800,000, providing reliable income for household needs.
Beyond piggery, Kemiruka also keeps cattle, goats and poultry. She says diversification has been key to her success.
“From pigs, other animals and poultry, I earn over Shs4 million every month. I educate my children and support my family,” she says.
However, the journey has not been without challenges. High feed costs, disease outbreaks and fears from neighbours about pigs remain major concerns. “Feeds are expensive, diseases can be difficult to manage, and some neighbours fear the pigs,” she notes.
A few kilometres away, another success story is unfolding. Jenny Bahangyirire, a retired teacher and chairperson of Shongora Twetungure Group Piggery Project, says piggery gave her a clear plan after retirement.
“When I was preparing to retire, I had no idea where to start,” Jenny says. “Dr Sam and his team supported us with pigs and training, and that is how our project began.”
Jenny recalls that her first pig produced 14 piglets. Today, her group has 11 members and more than 35 pigs. She says the biggest benefit has been manure, which has transformed her banana plantations.
“Before, my garden produced very little, but now I sell about 15 bunches of bananas every week,” she says. “Manure has completely changed my production.”
Like Kemiruka, Jenny highlights challenges such as water shortages, costly feeds and transport difficulties. She appeals for government support, particularly in water access and affordable feeds, while expressing gratitude to President Yoweri Museveni and MSC for initiating the programme.
Both women credit training, mentorship and follow-up support from MSC and the Rukungiri Producer Cooperative Union for turning small beginnings into sustainable livelihoods.
“These projects are more than pigs,” Kemiruka says. “They teach responsibility, hard work and cooperation. They give us income, dignity and a future for our children.”
