A Leap into Agribusiness and Leadership: Immaculate Kobugabe’s Story

Growing up in the quiet fields of Mabale Parish, Uganda, Immaculate was reserved and shy, particularly uncomfortable with public speaking. “I remember on my wedding day, I failed to speak,” she recalls. Avoiding roles that required addressing groups, she depended heavily on her husband.

During this time, Immaculate found solace in farming. It became a pastime for her, providing comfort without regard for yield. “I didn’t know what I was doing, but it kept me busy,” she shares.

Immaculate spent many hours working alongside her father, a dedicated veterinary officer renowned for treating local livestock. She often accompanied him to farms across Kichwamba, observing as he vaccinated animals, administered medication, and offered advice to farmers. “He was my inspiration,” Immaculate reflects. “He used to carry me along when he went to vaccinate animals. I learned a lot just by watching him,” she adds.

Growth through Markets for Youth

Everything began to change when Immaculate came into contact with GOAL’s Markets for Youth programme. In 2022, Gudie Leisure Farm, a skilling partner of GOAL Uganda and the Markets for Youth programme, identified Immaculate and enrolled her in a four-month course on poultry and piggery. The training covered essential business skills, including record-keeping, confidence, negotiation, financial literacy, marketing, personal branding, and planning. “The training was the beginning of my discovery journey. It made me deeply reflect on my life,” Immaculate reveals.

After the training, Immaculate was given materials and tasked with training her peers. Although initially uncomfortable due to her shy nature, this responsibility boosted her confidence and reshaped her perspective. With these newfound skills and knowledge, Immaculate applied what she had learned and shared it with her community. She invested UGX 300,000 (approximately €73.83) in two pigs, which soon gave birth to 16 piglets. Selling each piglet at UGX 200,000 (approximately €49.22), she earned enough capital to diversify into poultry farming. Starting with 150 chickens bought for UGX 800,000 (approximately €196.88), she earned UGX 3,000,000 (approximately €738.42).

“My success in the poultry business pleasantly surprised my husband. He thought they would all die, but I didn’t register any mortality. That’s when he started trusting me,” she says.

Building Confidence Through Livestock

The success of her piggery and poultry businesses boosted her confidence further. She began training and empowering other youth in her village, extending the impact of her experience beyond herself. “Visiting Immaculate’s farm changed my life. I immediately started doing piggery,” testifies Christine Kamukama, a neighbour.

Recognising the profits in value addition, Immaculate, with her husband’s support, opened a bistro where they roast and sell chicken at UGX 5,000 per piece. “Initially, we sold a bird at UGX 20,000. But after roasting, we make at least UGX 30,000 from each bird,” she shares. Value addition not only increased her income but also provided extra food for her pigs, as they were fed with leftovers. Over time, Immaculate diversified further by adding goats and establishing a banana plantation.

Zooming into the Future

Today, Immaculate is growing her vision. At home, she is expanding her compound with trees and plants, aiming to transform it into a rural leisure spot where guests can relax, enjoy meals, and learn from her agricultural journey. She credits her husband and children for their enthusiastic support. “My children refer to the animals as babies. They’ve named each one and enjoy taking care of them, including my youngest of three,” she says. The family’s involvement strengthens her vision and instils values of care, discipline, and teamwork.

Immaculate’s Path to Leadership

After transforming her household, Immaculate began transforming her community. She now serves as Chairperson of the Mabale PELA Youth Group and ran for LC3 Women’s Councilor in her parish. “Before, I didn’t even know my neighbours. Now I know almost everyone in the parish,” she says. Though she lost by just two votes, she remains undeterred. “I want to represent women and youth, especially those who think they can’t lead,” she asserts. She’s preparing to run again with more experience and a stronger support base.

Looking back, Immaculate sees how far she’s come, not just in business but in belief. “I used to depend on my husband. Now, I earn and contribute to household needs like meals and school fees,” she says. Immaculate Kobugabe isn’t just a graduate of Gudie Leisure Farm. She’s living proof of what happens when the right training meets deep determination, as facilitated through the Markets for Youth programme.

Learn more about the Markets for Youth programme.