Uganda's Piggery Sector Gears Up for Growth Ahead of December Symposium

Uganda's piggery sector is set for expansion as Gudie Leisure Farm prepares to host the second Piggery Cottage Industry Symposium on December 8, 2025, at its Najjera II premises in Kira Municipality.

The event will attract young entrepreneurs from across the country and focus on markets, technology, and opportunities across the piggery value chain.

Prof. Gudula Naiga Basaza, Founder and Managing Director of Gudie Leisure Farm, highlighted the sector's broad economic impact, noting its support for feed production, veterinary services, textiles from by-products, and fertiliser generation.

According to the 2021 National Livestock Census, over 2.2 million Ugandan households depend on pig farming, with a national pig herd of 7.1 million, offering potential for both domestic and regional EAC and COMESA markets.

Global pork consumption trends offer significant opportunities. The market, valued at Shs 1.116 trillion (USD 307 million) in 2024, is projected to exceed Shs 1.544 trillion (USD 424 million) by 2030, with FAO estimating pork will be the world's second-largest driver of meat demand by 2032. Basaza emphasized that reaching these markets requires quality production and adherence to export standards.

Francis Kisirinya, CEO of the Uganda Agribusiness Alliance, noted that piggery aligns with the National Development Plan IV and the Ten-Fold Growth Strategy, providing new opportunities for youth and smallholder farmers.

Despite growth prospects, challenges persist, including poor-quality feed, limited access to improved breeds, and weak supply chains. The symposium will showcase solutions such as precision feeding and artificial insemination, offering youth engagement across the value chain from breeding to value addition.

Gudie Leisure Farm has been a leader in youth skills development, certifying 45 district pig inseminators and supporting over 120,000 young people in feed production, rearing, and processing.

Its common-use value addition centre and network of 50,000 youth vendors have increased pork consumption, while farm-based food courts highlight the sector's potential for diverse consumer markets.

With the December symposium approaching, Uganda's piggery sector is positioning itself as a lucrative opportunity for young entrepreneurs, farmers, and investors ready to tap into a growing and profitable industry.

Read the original article on Nile Post.