A local Village Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisation (SACCO) has distributed 600 chicks worth Shs6 million to members of the Kisaikye East and West Development SACCO in Kavule A Zone, Kisaikye Parish, Namasagali Sub-county, Kamuli District.
The initiative benefited 120 farmers from surrounding villages, each receiving one-month-old Saso chicks to improve household incomes and help address economic gender-based violence in rural communities.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Julius Ntende, the patron of Kisaikye East and West Development SACCO, urged beneficiaries to embrace modern farming practices, specialise in poultry production and remain vigilant in managing their enterprises.
He emphasised the importance of acquiring knowledge and adopting contemporary farming techniques to increase productivity and improve their economic well-being.
Ntende also encouraged farmers to form producer associations to collectively market their poultry products instead of selling individually.
"Agricultural products are highly valued and in great demand globally. I therefore strongly encourage you to establish market associations to improve both production and marketing because the chicks provided to you are of high value, resilient and have strong market demand," Ntende said.
He noted that despite growing economic challenges, quality poultry production remains a viable business opportunity and urged the beneficiaries to rear healthy birds capable of meeting the demands of local, regional and international markets.
Ntende further advised the farmers to build strong social capital by associating with people of integrity and good character, saying such networks would help them grow their businesses and invest in their children's education.
"As a business economist and scholar, I encourage you to build social capital with people of influence rather than those who are only recipients. It is also important to remain optimistic rather than pessimistic," he said.
He also urged the beneficiaries to add value to their products by maintaining high quality standards, practising professionalism and presenting themselves well in business.
"Consistently maintain your relevance by strategically positioning yourselves to seize available opportunities," he added.
Beneficiaries Samuel Kyebogola and Hawa Kawala welcomed the initiative, saying it would strengthen their livelihoods and help address economic gender-based violence within their households.
"We are sure this is a milestone in our long journey towards attaining economic independence from our husbands who have been battering us for a long time. We believe this marks the beginning of our breakthrough," Kawala said.
