The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has given at least 3,750 one-day-old broiler chicks to people with disabilities in Kampala in an effort to increase household earnings and encourage urban gardening.

The distribution took place at Old Kampala Secondary School on Monday, August 28, 2023, as part of the National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS) program. With 25 out of the 69 registered members benefiting, the event represented a significant milestone.

The objective was to build a strong foundation for sustainable urban agricultural methods in addition to providing early support.

Each of the 25 beneficiaries received 150 one-day-old broiler chicks and eight bags of feed, enough for three weeks of assistance for their newly established farms.

The Director of Gender Community Services and Production, Sheila Birungi, oversaw the distribution ceremony and underlined the value of including people with disabilities in agricultural initiatives.

“Our focus is on people with disabilities who often miss out on these programs. We want people in Kampala to embrace urban farming to improve household incomes,” Birungi said.

According to Birungi, in addition to receiving the chicks and feed, the 25 beneficiaries will also receive instruction from extension agents so they can successfully rear the broilers.

However, Birungi notified the beneficiaries that this was the last batch of NAADS supplies to be sent to Kampala in the previous five years, stressing the need to seize the moment.

Peace Sserunkuma, a councillor at KCCA who represents those with disabilities, thanked the government for the program and its emphasis on empowering people with disabilities.

“We thank the NRM government for this program and empowering people with sabilities. We selected people who have been doing farming,” Sserunkuma said.

KCCA and NAADS remain committed to fostering self-reliance and inclusivity within the agricultural sector, ensuring that no one is left behind in the journey towards economic prosperity.