A Journalist’s Journey of Empowerment and Transformation through President Museveni’s Wisdom
SOROTI: A year ago, a group of journalists from Teso and Karamoja sub-regions embarked on a transformative study tour across Western Uganda, an initiative championed by the President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to expose media personnel to diverse developmental projects and inspire community-driven initiatives.
Among the beneficiaries was Edunyu Sam, popularly known as Big Sam, a dedicated radio personality working with Kyoga Veritas Radio in Soroti City.
His journey from a curious learner to a promising poultry farmer exemplifies the profound impact of government empowerment and the spirit of entrepreneurship championed By President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
The Journey Begins: Exposure and Inspiration.
The tour commenced in Napak, where the journalists visited a farmer who had received a 1 million shillings grant under the Parish Development Model (PDM).
From there, the team traveled to Joseph Ijala in Serere District, where they met Ijala, who had started with a few local chickens and had managed to expand his farm into one of the region’s most prosperous poultry ventures.
His story of resilience and growth, from humble beginnings to wealth, served as a beacon of hope for many aspiring farmers.
The journey continued to Pallisa District, again highlighting beneficiaries of the PDM, before heading to Kampala.
In the capital, the team visited the President’s farm and then proceeded to Western Uganda, where they explored diverse farms—poultry, dairy, coffee, and piggery—most notably the farm of Richard Nyakana, a favorite of President Museveni himself a farmer from Fort Portal who transformed just one acre of land into a thriving agricultural business..
Inspiration Turns to Action.
Inspired by the tour, Big Sam’s passion for poultry farming was ignited. Initially, he contemplated buying chicks, but after witnessing the substandard structures on many farms—constructed with local materials like unburnt bricks, poles, and old iron sheets—he decided to invest in building a proper poultry house with available local materials as seen below.
With limited funds, he used his savings to erect a simple but durable structure, determined not to let financial constraints hinder his dream.
After a four-month pause due to lack of funds for stock, Big Sam’s perseverance paid off when, in July 2025, he received some financial support to start his poultry project. He began with 100 Sasso birds, and today, his chickens are laying eggs, with him collecting four trays daily. His vision is clear: to scale up and become a leading poultry farmer among journalists in Teso and Karamoja, transforming not just his life but also his community.
Challenges and Aspirations.
Like many small-scale farmers, Big Sam faces challenges—particularly the high cost of poultry feed and medicines. Feed concentrates range from 4,200 to 5,000 shillings, making it difficult for newcomers to join the business. Medication costs are also steep, adding to the financial burden.
Despite these hurdles, Big Sam remains optimistic. He calls on the government to reduce taxes on poultry feed and medicines, believing that such support would enable more farmers to thrive. His gratitude extends to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, whose empowerment initiatives have opened doors for many rural entrepreneurs.
A Model of Community Transformation.
Today, Big Sam’s farm is more than just a poultry project; it has become a community resource. It serves as a study center for local residents and students from Busitema University, who visit weekly for outreach programs. He employs a young man to assist with poultry management, providing employment and skills development opportunities.
Big Sam’s journey underscores the core objective of the government’s initiative: to empower individuals, stimulate economic growth, and foster community development through practical exposure and support. His story reflects the true spirit of the program—turning exposure into action, and dreams into tangible progress.
A Bright Future.
With renewed confidence and ongoing support, Big Sam envisions a future where his poultry farm becomes a model enterprise, inspiring others in his community to pursue poultry and other agribusinesses. His story is a testament to what determination, community support, and government empowerment can achieve.
As he confidently states, “In the next two to three years, my life will not be the same, and I aim to be the next model poultry farmer among journalists in Teso and Karamoja. I want to transform lives around me, and I am grateful to President Museveni for making this possible.”
A tribute to the Visionary Leadership
This inspiring journey exemplifies the essence of President Museveni’s developmental initiatives—exposing citizens to opportunities, nurturing entrepreneurship, and fostering community development.
Through such programs, Uganda continues to build a resilient and prosperous future, one farmer at a time.
