Stories
June 11, 2025 • 1 min read
Bridget Bikorwenda’s plans for university were derailed when her mother’s accident left her as the sole provider. With no savings or farming experience, she started small, growing maize on a quarter-acre of borrowed land. In 2022, she co-founded a youth savings group, gaining access to loans and training through GOAL and Equity Bank. Today, she runs a thriving potato farm, a retail shop, and is pursuing a business degree while supporting other young entrepreneurs.
Forced to drop out of school, Bridget turned to farming to support her family. Despite early struggles, her persistence led her to mobilise a youth savings group, unlocking financial opportunities and training. Now 28, she balances farming, business, education, and advocacy, while planning for long-term stability.
From Survival to Stability
After her mother’s accident, Bridget relied on borrowed seeds to grow maize, barely covering household needs. Recognising the need for income, she sought ways to expand but lacked capital and knowledge. In 2022, she and other young villagers formed the Rutete Youth Savings and Loans Group. Partnering with GOAL and Equity Bank, they received financial training and secured their first loan, allowing Bridget to invest in her farm.
Growth and Leadership
With loans totaling UGX 11 million (US$ 3,038.56), Bridget expanded her potato farm to two acres, hired workers, and opened a retail shop and mobile money business. She resumed her education, enrolling in a business administration program to strengthen her entrepreneurial skills. Elected as a youth councilor, she now advocates for others, helping three group members access government grants to grow their businesses.
Planning for the Future
Climate challenges, like prolonged droughts, threaten her farm’s productivity. To adapt, Bridget is saving for a solar-powered irrigation system and her own land, ensuring long-term security for herself and her daughter. “I want to build something stable,” she says, “not just for me, but for the future.”
