Climate change devastates poultry farmer as heat kills birds in Luweero

20 January 2026, 12:07 pm

By Byamukama Alozious

Ssegawa, a seasonal journalist who recently ventured into poultry farming, is facing distressing losses after extreme heat conditions led to the death of some of her birds.

Operating her poultry farm in Zirobwe, Luweero District, Ssegawa says the unusually intense sunshine and prolonged high temperatures have created hostile climate conditions for poultry farming, resulting in heat stress and fatalities among her chickens.

“This heat is unbearable. Even when I provide shelters, feed them well, and ensure timely watering, some birds keep dying,” Ssegawa explained, adding that the situation has left her questioning what more she can do to protect her investment.

The journalist-turned-poultry farmer keeps about 1,000 broiler chickens and had hoped the venture would provide a stable source of income to support herself and her family. However, instead of expanding, the business is now struggling.

“I invested with hope, but the business is now stagnating. It feels hopeless,” she said.

Ssegawa had also targeted the ready and highly populated markets of the Kampala metropolitan area, including Wakiso District and Kampala, to sell her poultry products. Unfortunately, these expectations have not materialised, further compounding her challenges.

Agricultural experts such as Professor Gudula Basaza of Gudie Leisure Farm say that rising temperatures linked to climate change are increasingly affecting small-scale farmers, particularly those involved in poultry production, where birds are highly sensitive to heat stress.

Ssegawa’s experience reflects the growing vulnerability of farmers in Uganda to climate-related challenges, raising concerns about the sustainability of small agribusinesses if adaptive measures and support are not strengthened.