On Sunday, our office transformed into a launchpad for an unforgettable adventure—a farm visit to Gomba! Before dawn even cracked open its sleepy eyes, our doors swung open at 4:00 a.m., and a buzz of excitement filled the air.
The first eager farmer arrived right on time, kicking off the registration process led by the dynamic duo, Miracle and Rona.
As the minutes ticked by, the anticipation grew, as reflected in the faces of the ever-increasing crowd. By 6:00 a.m. sharp, the buses rumbled to life, their engines echoing the collective thrill. One by one, they pulled away, overflowing with farmers ready to embark on a journey that promised not just a day at the farm but a memory to be cherished.
The road to Gomba wasn’t just a journey; it was an adventure in itself. Our buses were transformed into mobile farm festivals, buzzing with a contagious energy that rivaled a rock concert. Farmers, armed with their smartphones, became citizen journalists, capturing every giggle, song, and scenic vista for their live TikTok audiences.
The air thrummed with the infectious beat of the soundtrack, perfectly complementing the flow of YPA’s delicious goat milk and snacks. It was a sensory overload in the best way possible, a delicious and delightful prelude to the eventful day ahead. Imagine rolling hills painted emerald green flashing past your window, punctuated by glimpses of goats basking in the morning sun. Inside the bus, a different kind of scene unfolded. Seasoned farmers, their voices seasoned with experience, shared their knowledge with wide-eyed newcomers. Laughter erupted in rhythmic bursts, punctuated by gasps of wonder at the passing countryside.
This wasn’t just a trip; it was a celebration of agriculture, a beautiful display of the camaraderie that binds those who work the land. Our first stop was a game-changer. Witnessing vast fields prepped for maize planting with tractors was a powerful sight. Farmers were buzzing with discussions about modern farming and its impact on yields.
The Managing Director, Obed Ben, dropped some knowledge bombs! He emphasized the power of collective effort in agribusiness success. Here’s the exciting part: with 1 acre at 2.5 million shillings, farmers can secure a guaranteed income of 1.2 million shillings over the next 3 seasons! That’s consistent growth right there.
From Maize, the Next, we visited the pasture gardens, where the farmers learned about various pasture plants, including mucuna. This segment of the tour was particularly informative, as many were keen on understanding how to improve the quality of feed for their livestock. The highlight of the visit was undoubtedly the goat farm. As we approached, the first thing that caught everyone’s attention was the farmer’s photo booth. It was a popular spot, with farmers taking pictures to capture the moment.
The goats were grazing peacefully, creating a picturesque backdrop for the photos.
Before meeting the goats, everyone was treated to a hearty meal of Nyama Kyoma (grilled meat) served with matooke (a type of banana) and avocado. This delicious meal, featuring the renowned YPA breed, was a hit among the farmers.
After the meal, the general manager, JB Magezi, gave an insightful talk about the various projects at the farm. His lessons were invaluable, providing farmers with knowledge they could take back to their own farms. Here he emphasized the need to have high-quality breeds like the best YPABreed, which has turned the goat market On the other hand, the public relations officer, Charles SSempiija, emphasizes the need for farmers to have insurance. YPA has partnered with Prudential Life Insurance to provide life insurance for only 50,00 Uganda shillings.
Meanwhile, the YPA Media team led the fun site, and all staff engaged in games, including the entertaining “Anooying Challenge,” won by Babirye Kasoma, and the “Shifra Challenge.” Finally, it was time for the farmers to see their goats. Led by the lead veterinarian, Sam Muwonge, the farmers, equipped with their IDs, were thrilled to see their goats tagged with their initials. It was a moment of pride and joy for many.
The day didn’t end there. A friendly volleyball and football match between the YPA Kampala staff and farm staff added to the fun. Music played in the background, and everyone was delighted to see Kyakabaale dancing with the goats following his lead. It was a scene of pure joy and entertainment. As the sun began to set, we headed back to Kampala. The farmers were filled with a sense of fulfillment from the day’s activities, which had been a perfect blend of fun and learning. This farm visit to Gomba was an unforgettable experience, leaving everyone eagerly looking forward to the next adventure.
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The public relations officer, Charles SSempiija, emphasizes the need for farmers to have insurance.
A Feast for the Future: Exploring Pasture Gardens for Improved Livestock Feed
