Grace Nakayaga joined Tukolerewamu Youth Development Group Bubuusi village, Katikamu sub county, Luweero District in 2018 comprising 20 members (15 female, 5 male) at a time when she was a heavily pregnant housewife with no stable financial support. Her husband found petty jobs but always quit after a short period of time. She participated in all the group trainings including Cornerstone, Education for Life (EFL), Village Savings and Loans Association (VSLA) where she learnt the importance of saving and from the little money that he gave her, she saved (2,000-10,000ugx) weekly. After nine months she received 400,000ugx during share out and used 250,000ugx to acquire her first pig.

Grace with one of her pigs, she calls them pets

“We had a group visit to more than two model piggeries in Katikamu subcounty, when I returned home I was concerned that I wouldn’t be able to take care of my baby after giving birth since I had no source of income, that is when I decided to do piggery” narrates 23-year-old Grace Nakayaga
In 2019 the pig birthed its first eight piglets and right now it has so far birthed three times in a period of one year. She sold one of the piglets at 150,000ugx and used some of the money to hire an acre of land (140,000ugx annually). On this land, she is able to plant maize so as to cost cut on purchase of pig feeds. As the piggery grows, Grace worries for their security, scarcity of veterinary doctors, high cost of transporting the pigs for mating, expensive drugs among others. Her appeal to the project is to provide experienced veterinary doctors who can carry out routine medical checks at her farm and those of the group members.

Grace showing the maize she harvested last season

Grace is the group chairperson and a role model to her group and the community. She is inspired by young people who make a living for themselves and that’s why she works tirelessly. Together with her husband they are able to take care of their baby and other family basic needs. Having appreciated the power of having a vision or dream through EFL training, Grace is working towards having 30 pigs on her piggery farm from eleven currently. When asked about Cornerstones, she speaks of accountability because it is very key in whatever she does.
“The cornerstone I use most is accountability because I am a business lady, I budget for everything I want to acquire”.