Turning Setbacks into Success: Gloria Kansiime’s Story - GOAL Global Skip to content

Turning Setbacks into Success: Gloria Kansiime’s Story

 

June 23, 2025 • 2 min read

Gloria Kansiime, a single mother from Karambi village, Fort Portal, transformed her life through dedication and strategic decision-making. After joining the Markets for Youth program in 2022, Gloria revitalized her piggery business, learning essential skills and reinvesting wisely. Today, she runs a thriving piggery, two bars, and is building rental houses while supporting her family.

Gloria

After suffering significant losses due to limited knowledge in pig farming, Gloria was ready to quit. “I was stuck. Nothing was working, and I had a daughter to care for,” she recalls. With only one frail pig left, hope seemed distant, until she was introduced to the Markets for Youth programme.

In 2022, Gloria joined the initiative implemented by GOAL Uganda in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation. The programme transitions youth to dignified work through partnerships with financial institutions, agribusinesses, ICT providers, training institutions, and government bodies.

Learning to Thrive

Through Excel Hort Consult Agribusiness Incubator (EHCAI), a programme partner, Gloria received six months of training in piggery, business management, record-keeping, and financial literacy. She was also given a startup kit of three piglets. After researching pig breeds, she made a bold move, selling the piglets to invest in a high-yielding variety called the Large White pig.

That decision paid off. The pig gave birth to seven piglets. Gloria sold five for UGX 150,000–200,000 ($48.53 USD on average) each and reinvested in another pig. Her business began to grow steadily, with her social network becoming her biggest market.

Despite challenges like rising feed costs and climate-related issues, Gloria remains undeterred. She creatively supplements feed with restaurant leftovers and sweet potato leaves. Her next goal? Buy more land and expand her piggery.

Today, her piggery earns her an average of UGX 1,950,000 ($540.54 USD) every three months. After expenses of UGX 1,000,000 ($277.38 USD), she takes home a profit of UGX 950,000 ($263.48 USD).

An Entrepreneur is Born

With growing confidence and business acumen, Gloria saved enough to open two bars, one for herself and one for her supportive mother. She earns an average daily profit of UGX 60,000 ($16.64 USD). Together, they are also building two rental houses to secure future income.

“My mother has been my rock. We’ve walked this journey together,” Gloria shares emotionally.

Living the Dream

Known affectionately as “Boss Lady” among her peers, Gloria now lives a life many in her village aspire to. She comfortably meets her household needs, provides a balanced diet, pays utility and medical bills, and sends her daughter to School, a dream she once thought unreachable.

“I started with one pig. Today, I have two businesses and a construction project.” Gloria Kansiime.

Gloria’s transformation has made her a beacon of hope in Karambi. Young people frequently visit her farm to learn and get inspired. “Some just want to see if it’s possible. I give them that chance. So far, ten have started their own piggery businesses and are already earning,” she proudly says.

Learn more about the Markets for Youth programme.