From village flock to thriving enterprise: Kitgum youth builds a profitable poultry business

KITGUM, April 2, 2026 — In a region where subsistence farming dominates and youth opportunities remain scarce, 24-year-old Ronald Obalim is transforming a modest backyard venture into a thriving poultry enterprise, earning millions of shillings annually and inspiring fellow young farmers across the Acholi Sub-region.

What began as a small effort to rear indigenous chickens has grown into a promising agribusiness, driven by determination, calculated risk-taking, and a vision to build a sustainable livelihood.

Obalim’s journey is not just about chickens; it reflects resilience and the ambition to turn limited resources into opportunity.

Like many rural youth, he started small. With little capital but a willingness to learn, he began rearing local chickens on family land in Layamo Subcounty. For two years, he relied on indigenous breeds, valued for their resilience and low maintenance.

However, returns remained modest.

“I had grown used to local breeds, but I realised they were limiting my potential,” he recalls.

Local chickens, though hardy, produce relatively few eggs, about 40 annually, and take longer to mature. For a young man with bigger ambitions, this was not enough.

That realisation marked a turning point in his farming journey.

The bold switch

In April 2018, Obalim made a decisive move, transitioning from indigenous birds to Kuroiler chicken, a dual-purpose breed originally developed in India and increasingly popular in Uganda.

Unlike local breeds, Kuroilers offer higher egg production and faster growth. A single bird can lay up to 150 eggs annually and reach a market weight of about 3.5 kilogrammes within 10 weeks.

“Kuroilers survive under the same conditions, but their productivity is far much higher,” he explains.

With an initial investment of between Shs 600,000 and Shs 700,000, he purchased 250 chicks at Shs 2,000 each from a supplier in Mukono. A significant portion of the remaining capital went into feed, an early indication of the financial discipline required in poultry farming.

“I started from one of my father’s buildings. At first, feeding costs were high, but I remained patient because I believed in the returns,” he says.

His patience has paid off.

Today, Obalim keeps around 500 birds at any given time. More notably, he supplies over 500 chickens weekly to hotels and local markets. In peak periods, distribution exceeds 1,000 birds, supported by a growing network of farmers he has mobilised and mentored.

This network model has enabled him to scale beyond his own farm, transforming an individual venture into a community-driven enterprise.

“I work with other farmers to meet demand. It is no longer just about me; it is about growing together,” he says.

The financial difference is significant. While local chickens sell for about Shs 20,000, Kuroilers fetch up to Shs 30,000 due to their size and productivity. Their eggs also command higher prices, sometimes nearly double those of indigenous breeds.

“At the end of the day, it is about profit, and with Kuroilers, I earn more from both meat and eggs,” Obalim notes.

On average, he earns between Shs 700,000 and Shs 800,000 per month, translating into annual earnings of up to Shs 5 million, a notable achievement for a young farmer operating on limited land.

Managing the risks

Despite the progress, poultry farming comes with challenges.

One of the biggest hurdles is the high cost of feed. His flock consumes about 40 kilogrammes of maize bran daily, making feeding one of the most significant expenses.

“There are times when feed prices rise unexpectedly, and it affects profits,” he says.

Delayed payments from buyers—sometimes stretching up to two months—also strain cash flow.

Access to affordable credit remains limited. With bank interest rates hovering around 20 per cent, borrowing is often too risky.

“I avoid loans because they can easily push you into debt,” he adds.

Disease outbreaks pose another constant threat. Conditions such as Newcastle disease, coccidiosis, and Gumboro can wipe out entire flocks if not properly managed.

To mitigate these risks, Obalim has adopted strict biosecurity measures. Regular vaccination and deworming are routine, guided by veterinary advice.

“Vaccination is very important. Without it, you can lose everything,” he emphasises.

Farming with discipline

Beyond technical practices, Obalim attributes much of his success to discipline, particularly in record-keeping.

Unlike many small-scale farmers who operate informally, he tracks every expense and sale. This allows him to assess performance, identify losses, and make informed decisions.

“I keep records of all my expenses and income. It helps me know whether I am making a profit or not,” he explains.

This business-minded approach has been critical to sustaining and expanding his enterprise.

For Obalim, poultry farming is not only about personal gain but also community impact. He initially ventured into agribusiness to support youth peer education initiatives and assist vulnerable groups, including orphans and disadvantaged children.

“Peer education requires funding to reach more young people, and this project helps me contribute to that cause,” he says.

His farm has also created employment, with at least one full-time worker currently engaged. As the business grows, he hopes to create more opportunities for young people in his community.

Behind his success is a strong family support system, which provided initial resources, including space to start the farm. Today, he continues to involve them in decision-making while mentoring aspiring farmers.

His story is gradually reshaping perceptions in the community, challenging the notion that agriculture is a last resort for unemployed youth.

Looking ahead

Obalim is focused on expansion. He plans to acquire more land, increase production, and strengthen his supply network across Northern Uganda.

“My target is to earn between Shs 10 million and Shs 15 million annually. I also want to create jobs for young people,” he says.

He is also exploring ways to improve efficiency, including better feeding systems and stronger market linkages.

In response to climate concerns, he has planted trees around his farm to provide shade for the birds while contributing to environmental conservation.

Kitgum District Agricultural Extension Officer Oyella Florence advises farmers to align their enterprises with environmental conditions while remaining adaptable.

“Selecting the right breed or crop is key. Farmers should also seek continuous guidance from extension workers,” she says.

A model for youth empowerment

Obalim’s journey offers a clear lesson: success does not require vast resources at the start.

From a small flock of local chickens to a growing enterprise supplying hundreds of birds weekly, his experience underscores the importance of starting small, remaining consistent, and embracing innovation.

“I encourage young people not to despise small beginnings. Start with what you have, stay committed, and you will grow,” he says.

As Uganda continues to grapple with youth unemployment, stories like his provide a compelling blueprint. They highlight agriculture not as a fallback option, but as a viable pathway to financial independence when approached with a business mindset.

In the fields of Kitgum, one young farmer is proving that even the smallest ventures can hatch big ambitions.

Okello Jesus Ojara

https://thecooperator.news/dokolo-local-emyooga-sacco-ventures-into-poultry-farming/

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