Empower youth through improved access to agricultural technology and resources.

8 July 2025, 10:02 am

By Philip Onyango

The government and Heifer International Uganda have launched a new farming season under the Stimulating Agribusiness for Youth Employment (SAYE) project, which aims to empower young people through improved access to agricultural technology and resources in the Busoga region.

The project was commissioned by Hon. Fred Kyakulaga Bwiino, the Minister of State for Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, who is also the Member of Parliament for Kigulu North in Iganga district.

Kyakulaga said the government is working hard to help young people find employment through farming.

He added that the Stimulating Agribusiness for Youth Employment (SAYE) project is already making a positive impact in the region.

William Matovu, Country Director of Heifer International Uganda, said the project has already benefited many young people. “We plan to support 250,000 youths. So far, over 50,000 have joined the programme. About 27,700 young people have already found work in farming activities such as poultry, vegetable growing, and dairy farming,” Matovu said.

According to Matovu, despite these achievements, challenges remain, including limited access to capital, land, and market opportunities.

John Ssenyonga, who heads Heifer International Uganda in the Busoga region, says that the SAYE project, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, aims to empower young people through skills development in key sectors such as poultry, horticulture, oilseed, dairy, and others.