What Dr. Naluyima says about farming journey bolstered by dfcu Bank

New Vision's Simon Okitela recently had the opportunity to speak with Dr. Emma Naluyima, a Ugandan veterinary doctor with a Bachelors in Vet Medicine (BVM) and a Masters in Health Services Research (MHSR) and also a selected judge for the dfcu Bank – Vision Group Best Farmers Competition 2025.

Over the years, Dr. Naluyima has not only built a successful farm but has also empowered several youth and women to perceive agriculture as a profitable and transformative venture. Her approach combines technical expertise, innovation and a deep understanding of the best sustainable farming practices.

In this Q&A, Dr. Naluyima shares her inspiring journey, from how she got into piggery farming to the key lessons she has learned over the years. She discusses the transformative impact agriculture has had on her life, how support from financial institutions like dfcu Bank has helped her expand her operations, and the challenges and opportunities available in the piggery industry.

Q. Briefly introduce yourself and tell us about your background.

A. My name is Dr. Emma Naluyima. I am a veterinary doctor by profession, a passionate farmer, an educator, a farming consultant, a wife, and a mother. 

How long have you been practicing piggery farming, and what kept you going all these years?

I have been practising farming and specializing in piggery farming and utilizing small pieces of land for profit for about 19 to 20 years. I started with a piggery. The venture has been good to me, it’s profitable and empowering, especially for women and youth.

What are some of the key lessons you have learned over the years in managing a successful piggery?

Success in farming is characterized by three key pillars, as these include good genetics, proper feeding, and strong management. These three complement one another. For example, good genetics means nothing without quality feed. And even if you have both, poor management will fail you. Management is about attention to detail, ensuring timely insemination, keeping accurate records, and responding fast.

How has piggery farming impacted your life personally, financially, and professionally?

I am grateful for this piggery project because it has transformed my life. I paid for my Master’s degree using revenue from selling pigs. Piggery, when done right and with good genetics, proper feeding, and solid management best practices, is very rewarding. The problem is that many people want shortcuts; they buy high-quality animals but don’t feed or manage them well, which leads to disappointment.

How did you come to know about dfcu Bank agricultural financing or farmer support programs?

I learned about dfcu Bank at a time when I needed financing for my piggery farm. Initially, dfcu seemed like a bank for “big people,” especially corporates and the wealthiest. However, that perception changed when they supported us as Best Farmers and gave us money. It was during that time that I opened an account and began banking with them.

In what ways has dfcu Bank supported your piggery project? (e.g., financing, training, market linkages).

dfcu has supported me with various financing solutions which I have used to further expand operations, and restock and import new pig breeds. Unfortunately, Covid-19 hit soon after, and I had to restructure the loan.

How important has this support been in scaling up your operations?

The loans have been a turning point in my life. Despite some setbacks like swine fever striking and losing a significant number of animals, the support was essential. It helped me get started, and the lessons I learned through that experience have helped me bounce back stronger.

What was your reaction when you were announced as a winner of the dfcu Bank - Vision Group Best Farmers Awards?

Winning the dfcu Bank - Vision Group Best Farmers Award was one of the most humbling and uplifting moments of my life. When my name was announced, I was completely overwhelmed with joy and disbelief, considering I was only farming on one acre. I felt a deep sense of recognition for the years of hard work, sacrifices, and commitment to transforming my farm into a sustainable and impactful agribusiness.

What are some of the major challenges you face in piggery farming today?

Swine fever remains a major challenge because there’s no vaccine yet. However, over time, we have developed strategies to reduce its impact. Every time we are hit, we learn and improve.

We have also diversified our feeding model, we use hydroponics and black soldier fly larvae to feed chickens and fish, which helps generate income to support pig feeding. We also repurpose animal waste for fertilizer. This multi-enterprise approach helps us manage costs and remain profitable even when feed prices are high.

What opportunities do you see currently in the piggery industry, especially for smallholder farmers?

Once you understand your business, the opportunities are endless. If you understand it well, it becomes clearer. And that’s the mindset farmers need. Who are your customers? What are their needs? What’s the value chain? What gives me an edge is that I am a vet by profession, so I had technical knowledge from the start.

Where do you see your piggery project in the next 10 – 20 years?

We have already achieved a lot. Going forward, our focus is on turning the farm into a full-fledged learning and training centre in Uganda and internationally. We are currently known as the best breeders, but most importantly, we want to be the go-to source of knowledge and practical training in piggery.

I have people reaching out from Ghana, India, and beyond, but the biggest challenge is accommodation.