I am Mbasaraki Ruth from Bakuseka majja farmers group in Kakooge Sub County in Nakasongola district and I deal in poultry farming.
Before joining poultry farming I was working as a nursing assistant but the salary was very little, so I decided to start another income generating activity to supplement on the little money from my job. I started to deal in poultry farming in 1991 with 50 layers and by the time I joined VEDCO (2006) I had expanded to 350 layers. Since 2006 my farm has expanded and I am now keeping 750 layers; however most of this stock is yet to start laying eggs. I only have 100 laying birds currently.
From poultry farming, I have managed to construct a permanent house for my father, bought 20 cows, bought land in Kakooge town worth 800,000/= and built in a commercial house (not yet occupied). I am currently constructing a standard structure for poultry and I have so far invested in 5 million shillings and still incomplete.
From VEDCO and through experience, I learnt how to mix feeds and currently I mix and sell feeds to fellow farmers in the area. From Bakusekamajja farmers group, we are a group of 7 women who engage in poultry collectively; we mix our own feeds and buy materials including chicks together.
On top of this I have managed to pay fees for my five children and they are all in secondary schools.
Ever since joining poultry farming, my life has tremendously changed and I had to abandon my former job of nursing to entirely looking after poultry and I promise not to leave this business because it has made me a proud lady. In around two years, I expect to be having more than 1000 layer birds in my new structure.
I finally commend VEDCO for the support rendered to me, my group and the community at large in providing us with quality planting materials and birds. May God bless them abundantly.