The evolution of Jonathan Saidi’s poultry business: how he grew to 1,500 birds

February 12, 2025, Kampala, Uganda. Jonathan fixing drinking troughs for the chickens (PHOTO: David Hangi for The IRC)

Jonathan Saidi Fama’s journey as a refugee in Uganda stands as a shining example of what can be achieved through hard work, perseverance and innovativeness. As a refugee who has faced the uncertainty of a new life in the suburbs of Kampala, Jonathan has turned his dream into reality, creating a thriving poultry business that has grown exponentially in just a few years.

Starting with only 20 birds, Jonathan’s ambition and commitment have fueled his incredible growth, and today, he proudly manages a flock of more than 1,500 chickens.

Jonathan’s journey started in the year 2022, when he secured a business grant of €500 (UGX 2 million) and 6 months of business mentorship under the IRC’s Re:BUiLD microenterprise intervention. This initiative, which included a Randomized Control Trial (RCT), studied the effects of cash grants and group mentorship on business outcomes, featured Jonathan as one of the study participants. Jonathan has been able to use this grant to expand his poultry business from just 20 birds to 250 birds in 2024 and now more than 1,500. He explains how the chickens mature in two months and are sold at UGX25,000 to UGX28,000 each.

“From each bird, I get a profit of about UGX8,000,” he says, adding: “Apart from investing back into the business, I use the profits to support my family by paying fees for my young brothers and to meeting my mother’s medical bills.”

Having fled Congo in 2013 as a child and now 24 years old, Jonathan pays school fees for his two young siblings and takes care of his mother. His story is a testament to the resilience of refugees and a reminder that with the right support, even the smallest beginnings can lead to greatness.

Accessing credit

As the business expands, Jonathan requires money for more chicken feeds and other inputs. In August 2024, through the Winners Savings Group, he borrowed UGX1,500,000 from UGAFODE which he was able to pay back by October 2024, showing that with the right mindset, financial support can be a tool for growth, rather than a burden. Under the RE:BUiLD program, research was conducted to showcase the bankability of refugees following concerns that refugees are mobile and not bankable. The research findings through statistics shared by UGAFODE showed that refugees are bankable indicating that refugees have consistently been able to repay their loans, proving their financial reliability.

In November 2024, Jonathan borrowed UGX3,000,000 to build a larger structure to accommodate the growing number of birds. He is currently paying the loan in instalments.

Modern & innovative farming

Jonathan says he has utilized tutorials on YouTube to build modern, hygienic and sustainable structures for his chickens.

“I made my current structure with plastic mesh for the floor, and this allows the droppings and any liquid to fall through ensuring that the chicken stays in a dry and clean environment. Also, I find it easy to collect the droppings and convert them into manure,” he explains.

In addition to employing his siter as a marketer for the chicken at her local church, Jonathan has also created a tiktok page to inspire the public on chicken production as a viable source of income. He shares insights into the entire process, from the care of the chickens to the point they are ready for consumption.

Future

Jonathan hopes to study Business Administration and is optimistic that as his business continues to grow, he will be able to use some of the income to pay for his tuition.

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The evolution of Jonathan Saidi’s poultry business: how he grew to 1,500 birds

The evolution of Jonathan Saidi’s poultry business: how he grew to 1,500 birds

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