New farming project commissioned to empower youth

8 July 2025, 10:02 am

By Philip Onyango

New farming project commissioned to empower youth through improved access to agricultural technology and resources.

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

The commissioning of this project was led by Hon. Fred Kyakulaga Bwiino, the Minister of State for Agriculture, Animal industry and fisheries, and also a member of parliament of Kigulu North in Iganga district.

Kyakulaga says that the government is working hard to help youths find jobs through farming.

He further adds that the stimulating agribusiness for the 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 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.

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

John Ssenyonga, who head Heifer International Uganda in Busoga region, says that SAYE project in partnership with Mastercard foundation, aims to empower youths, through skill development in key sectors such as poultry horticulture oileseed dairy among others.