Stories
November 7, 2025 • 2 min read
A skill training and small loan of UGX 600,000 (€148) helped 28-year-old Ismail Chaku from Hoima District, Uganda, turn his ambitions into reality. Through the Mastercard Foundation and GOAL Uganda’s Markets for Youth Programme, Ismail received training, mentorship, and access to financial support that enabled him to launch a produce business and poultry farm. Today, he is providing for his family, repaying his loan on time, and inspiring others in his community to pursue entrepreneurship.
From Struggling Worker to Aspiring Entrepreneur
For years, Ismail Chaku worked as a casual labourer on a local farm in Bineneza village, Hoima District. His income barely met his family’s basic needs, leaving little room for savings or growth. “No matter how hard I worked, it was difficult to move forward,” he recalled.
In February 2023, a friend encouraged him to join the Bineneza Together We Can youth group. The group, part of GOAL Uganda’s Markets for Youth Programme, offered access to livelihood opportunities that individuals could not easily attain alone. Recognizing this, Ismail joined to learn from others and take advantage of shared resources. “I realized that working alone would keep me stuck,” he said. “Joining a group gave me hope that I could finally change my situation.”
Learning and Investing for Growth
Once he became a member, Ismail received training from Masindi Farmers Agribusiness (MADFA), which partnered with the programme to build youth capacity in agribusiness. The training included practical lessons on crop management, safe use of agrochemicals, post-harvest handling, and marketing.
Through MADFA’s Savings and Credit Cooperative (SACCO), Ismail’s group accessed a total loan of UGX 10,000,000 (€2,470). The funds were distributed among 22 members who planned to start small enterprises. Ismail received UGX 600,000 (€148), to be repaid with UGX 90,000 (€22) interest over six months, a total of UGX 690,000 (€170).
“I received the loan without collateral since I already had a farm job,” he said. With the money, Ismail began buying grains from local farmers and selling them to wholesalers. Though the grain-buying season had nearly ended, he purchased two 100 kg bags of beans at UGX 2,000 (€0.49) per kilogram and sold them later for UGX 3,000 (€0.74) per kilogram, making a profit of UGX 200,000 (€49).
Using his earnings, Ismail diversified by starting a small poultry business and purchasing iron sheets to improve his family’s home. “I bought Sasso chickens and began feeding them on maize bran and silverfish dust,” he shared. “I make sure they are vaccinated and plan to grow my own maize for feed to reduce costs.”
A Growing Enterprise and Renewed Confidence
Today, Ismail’s poultry venture continues to expand, and he is planning to sell his birds in bulk to reinvest in growing his flock. “The market for poultry is good around here,” he said. “I plan to sell all my birds at once and use the profit to increase my stock.”
Beyond financial gains, Ismail says the programme has changed his mindset. “I am building a house for my family, something that would have been impossible without the group’s support,” he said proudly. “The group has also taught me how to manage expenses and be accountable.”
While some members occasionally struggle with loan repayments, MADFA’s flexible approach has helped sustain the group’s stability and morale. For Ismail, this community-driven model is key to success. “The group has given me a new sense of purpose and a chance to create a sustainable livelihood,” he concluded.
