The Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, has called on Ugandans to embrace poultry farming as a practical way to fight poverty and boost household incomes.
Speaking during a meeting with members of the Uganda Poultry Association, Mayiga emphasized that economic empowerment must start with activities that ordinary people can engage in.
“Every country that is not making sufficient progress is experiencing situations where the purchasing power of the majority of the people is low and that depends on the kind of economic activities that people can be engaged in. The most practical way to tackle poverty is to ensure that the population engages in activities where there is a comparative advantage.”
He highlighted poultry farming as one such activity, noting the long tradition of rearing chickens in Ugandan households.
“When you call upon us to work with you, well, I’m sure we shall be very glad to do so. So we would like to work with you and encourage people to rear chicken, but also to eat it, to eat the eggs,” he added.
Henry Mambwe, Chairman of the Uganda Poultry Association, said the meeting was a precursor to the upcoming World Egg Day Expo scheduled for October 9–11 at Old Kampala Secondary School.
He stressed the nutritional and economic importance of eggs and poultry.
“A lot of Ugandans don’t realize that those two products are nutrient rich. Give your children those from day one. They grow up to be healthy, very strong Ugandans as they grow old. We are on a campaign to show the Ugandans that this chicken protein is both affordable and full of the nutrients you need.”
As part of the visit, the Uganda Poultry Association presented the Katikkiro with a certificate valued at shs9 million, which he praised and encouraged them to continue supporting the Kingdom’s initiatives.
Peter Ssenkungu, Executive Secretary of the Association, also lauded the Katikkiro’s support for poultry farming.
“When you rear chicken, you not only benefit from eating it, but also get money out of it, and if you’re a farmer, you get manure out of them.”
The Expo will provide farmers with training on rearing layers and broilers, purchasing feeds, and other poultry management practices, aiming to empower youth, improve nutrition, and expand Uganda’s poultry industry.
Mayiga also warned about the need for succession planning in poultry businesses, highlighting that sustainable growth requires transferring knowledge to future generations.
“For the poultry association of Uganda to progress, ensure that future generations reap from your efforts, it’s important that you are keen on succession planning… start with the small things, and you do them very well, then you will be able to do big things.”
