IGANGA District – The Government of Uganda and Heifer International have launched a new marketing season under the Stimulating Agribusiness for Youth Employment (SAYE) project in Busoga.
The launch was led by Hon. Fred Kyakulaga Bwiino, the Minister of State for Agriculture, who is also the Member of Parliament for Kigulu North. He said the government is working hard to help young people find jobs through farming.
“We are building modern farming centres that will help youth grow more food and earn money,” said Hon. Kyakulaga, adding that “This project is already changing lives in Busoga.”
The SAYE project is being carried out by Heifer International Uganda with help from several partners including the Mastercard Foundation, CURAD, FSME, FSDU, and ASIGMA.
Thr project is active in 11 districts of Busoga: Jinja, Mayuge, Iganga, Kamuli, Kaliro, Namutumba, Bugweri, Luuka, Buyende, Namayingo, and Bugiri.
The project helps young people, especially women and persons with disabilities, to learn modern farming skills and start agribusinesses.
William Matovu, Country Director of Heifer International Uganda, said the project has already helped many youths. “We plan to support 250,000 youth. So far, over 50,000 have joined the program. About 27,700 youth have already found work in farming activities like poultry, growing vegetables, and dairy farming,” Matovu said.
The project also supports youth to form groups and small businesses. Already, over 2,600 small businesses have started, and 16,000 youth have joined savings and credit groups (SACCOs).
Even though there are challenges like lack of capital, land, and market access, the partners are working together to solve these problems.
John Ssenyonga, who leads Heifer’s work in Busoga, said the SAYE project is helping youth learn skills and connect with markets. “We are giving young people the knowledge, tools, and support they need to succeed in farming,” he said.
The launch event was also a time to celebrate the youth’s good harvests and encourage them to keep working hard.
“To all the young people here and in Uganda—we believe in you,” said Matovu.
“This is your time to grow, work, and succeed.Thanks to the SAYE project, the future of farming in Busoga is looking bright—and the youth are leading the way,” he emphasized.
