By the time Dr. Emma Naluyima walks you through her compact but bustling farm in Entebbe, it becomes clear: this is more than a business. It’s a mission.
A veterinary doctor by training, Dr. Naluyima is also a mother, educator, and consultant—but perhaps above all, she is a farmer. She has turned just one acre of land into a model of integrated, sustainable agriculture, and in doing so, is reshaping how many Ugandans view the business of farming.
Speaking to New Vision, she recalled how it all began:
“I am a veterinary doctor by profession, a passionate farmer, an educator, a farming consultant, a wife, and a mother.”
Now nearly two decades into piggery farming, Dr. Naluyima has not only built a profitable enterprise but has emerged as a mentor and inspiration for young people and women looking to see agriculture through a different lens.
“I have been practicing farming and specializing in piggery farming and utilizing small pieces of land for profit for about 19 to 20 years,” she said. “I started with a piggery. The venture has been good to me, it’s profitable and empowering, especially for women and youth.”
But as she’s quick to point out, farming isn’t magic. It takes precision.
“Success in farming is characterised by three key pillars… good genetics, proper feeding, and strong management.”
Each, she said, must support the other. Poor feeding renders even the best breeds ineffective. And bad management can derail everything.
A Life Transformed by Livestock
Dr. Naluyima’s farm helped her pay for her Master’s degree. More importantly, she said, it has empowered her financially and intellectually.
“I am grateful for this piggery project because it has transformed my life.”
But like many farmers, she’s faced hard choices—particularly around financing.
It was during such a moment that she encountered dfcu Bank, whose reputation initially felt out of reach.
“Initially, dfcu seemed like a bank for ‘big people,’ especially corporates and the wealthiest.”
That perception shifted when she was selected as one of the Best Farmers, a programme supported by dfcu and Vision Group. The recognition came with financial support, and a new relationship began.
“It was during that time that I opened an account and began banking with them.”
Loans from dfcu enabled her to restock, expand, and even import new pig breeds. Then COVID-19 hit. Despite the setback, the bank allowed her to restructure.
“I love dfcu, the way they work, the responsiveness, and the respect they give farmers.”
Recognition and Ripple Effects
Winning the Best Farmers Award was a landmark moment.
“When my name was announced, I was completely overwhelmed with joy and disbelief.”
The farm, despite its small size, became a national symbol. And opportunities followed.
“People approach me, some I have never met, telling me how my story has inspired them.”
She’s since spoken at international forums—including with the World Food Prize community—amplifying not only her own voice but also Uganda’s growing presence in sustainable agriculture.
Adapting in the Face of Crisis
Yet it hasn’t been easy. Disease outbreaks, especially swine fever, remain a persistent threat.
“There’s no vaccine yet… Every time we are hit, we learn and improve.”
In response, Dr. Naluyima’s team has diversified. They raise fish and chickens, use hydroponic feed, and even cultivate black soldier fly larvae as protein supplements.
“This multi-enterprise approach helps us manage costs and remain profitable even when feed prices are high.”
Every output has multiple uses. Waste becomes fertilizer. Cow milk is processed—then portioned, some even fed to pigs.
“We actually ‘sell’ some of the milk to the pigs, and they grow faster as a result… Instead of selling a litre of milk at UGX 3,000, we feed a quarter-litre to the pigs and get more out of it long-term.”
Opportunity on the Horizon
Uganda’s demand for pork is substantial—second-highest in Africa after Nigeria, according to FAO data.
“The market demand is huge. We cannot even meet it.”
But, she noted, the constraint isn’t demand. It’s production capacity and farmer commitment.
“Many people don’t want to breed pigs consistently, yet the demand is there… That is where banks like dfcu bridge the gap.”
She emphasised that understanding the business—market, value chain, and customer needs—is non-negotiable.
“Do a visibility study. Pay professionals. Seek information. Don’t guess.”
Looking Ahead: From Farm to Academy
With a firm base now established, Dr. Naluyima has her sights set on turning the farm into a formal learning and training centre.
“We are currently known as the best breeders, but most importantly, we want to be the go-to source of knowledge and practical training in piggery.”
Demand for training is high—some visitors come from as far as Ghana and India—but infrastructure remains a bottleneck.
“We can only train during school holidays because we don’t have a proper accommodation facility.”
In the next decade, she hopes to change that by building a training hostel, enabling farmers from across the region to live and learn on-site.
Final Word to Aspiring Farmers
“The number one thing is knowledge… It’s not just about piggery—it applies to any kind of business… Get trained, use experts, and invest in understanding the business before putting in your money.”
For Dr. Emma Naluyima, farming isn’t just a livelihood. It’s a path to purpose. And, as she’s proving—one pig, one plant, one idea at a time—it can lead to real prosperity.
