Kyambadde Francis (28) is a young agripreneur from Mubende District who was initially trained as a primary school teacher, Francis grew up in a farming community and always had a strong interest in agriculture. However, limited access to land and capital prevented him from engaging in farming beyond subsistence. Like many rural youth, he faced the difficult choice of remaining in low-paying employment or venturing into agribusiness without the skills, networks, or resources to succeed.

An Unexpected Opportunity

Francis’ turning point came in 2021 when he attended training organized by the Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA). He was not originally selected, a farmer friend who had been chosen was unable to attend and recommended him instead. The training focused on seed multiplication and improved production practices. Francis quickly stood out for his enthusiasm, technical understanding, and ability to clearly explain concepts to fellow farmers. Recognizing his potential, SAA supported him to begin his journey as a Community-Based Facilitator (CBF).

Building Business Skills Through Youth Business Clinics

In 2022 Francis enrolled in the SAA’s Youth Business Clinics, a flagship initiative designed to equip young agripreneurs with practical business and entrepreneurship skills, supported by The Nippon Foundation. Through the business clinics, Francis acquired hands-on competencies in marketing, financial management, customer care, stock planning, and regulatory compliance. He also benefited from mentorship and peer learning, which strengthened his business acumen and confidence as a young entrepreneur. A defining moment came during a pitching session organized as part of the clinics, where Francis emerged as the best participant and won USD 281, seed capital that would soon change his trajectory.

Francis proudly displays his business record book provided by SAA, a practical tool that has strengthened his financial management, accountability.

Establishing A Trusted Agro-Input Business

Having worked closely with farmers, Francis had firsthand insight into the systemic challenges they faced particularly delayed access to quality inputs, widespread counterfeit agro-products, and high prices that undermined productivity and incomes. Motivated to address these gaps, he invested the USD 281 prize along with 197 from his own savings to establish an agro-input shop. His goal was not only to sell inputs but also to provide trusted advisory services and build strong linkages with reputable agro-input suppliers to ensure consistent quality and supply.

Through SAA, he received additional structured training in farming as a business, seed systems development, and the safe use and handling of agrochemicals that enabled him to meet regulatory requirements and obtain certification to operate a compliant and legally recognized agro-input shop.

Delivering Last-Mile Services

Francis’ business has steadily grown and now serves over 200 farmers. He supplies certified seeds, quality agro-inputs, while also providing real-time guidance on proper product use, crop management, and good agricultural practices. By combining input supply with advisory services he has significantly improved farmers’ confidence, reduced misuse of agrochemicals, and contributed to better yields and incomes within the community.

A transformational Impact

Today, Francis earns over USD 1,404 per season from his agro-input shop, seed sales, and advisory services, significantly higher than his previous income as a primary school teacher. This financial stability has improved his quality of life, strengthened his ability to better support his family, and positioned him as a respected service provider and role model for other young people in his community. Beyond personal income, his enterprise contributes to improved agricultural productivity, reduced input-related risks, and stronger local agribusiness ecosystems in Mubende District.

Reflecting on his journey, Francis notes, “Before the SAA trainings, I only had interest in farming, but I did not know how to turn it into a business. The business clinics opened my eyes to opportunities I never imagined.” He adds, “Farmers now trust my shop because they know they are getting the right inputs and advice. My dream is to expand this center so that no farmer in my area has to travel long distances or risk buying fake products again.”

By combining technical agricultural training, entrepreneurship development, mentorship, and access to start-up capital, SAA’s Youth Business Clinics are creating sustainable livelihoods for young people like Francis. At the same time, they are strengthening last-mile service delivery and building resilient, farmer-centered agricultural systems in Uganda.

Francis smiles as he showcases some inputs in his shop.