In a remarkable turn of events, Josephine Kagina, a retiree from Wakiso, has turned her passion for farming into a thriving business, proving that retirement is not the end, it’s a new beginning.
After retiring, Josephine found herself at a crossroads, unsure of how to spend her newfound free time.
But instead of slowing down, she set her sights on a new venture, dairy farming. Through extensive research and the knowledge gained from previous Harvest Money Expos, she decided to invest in dairy cows.
“I’ve always been compiling ideas, preparing for what to do when I retire,” Kagina revealed.
“I wanted to be self-sustaining. As a mature person, I didn’t want to depend on my children. Through farming, I’m making that a reality.”
Her journey began with purchasing cows that now yield up to ten litres of milk per day. But her quest for success didn’t stop there. She returned to expos to learn more, determined to increase her milk yield and improve her farming practices.
“I came back to get more knowledge to boost my business,” she explained.
“The expos are a great platform for learning and networking. I visited several stalls, gathered a lot of information, and exchanged contacts to grow my network.”
Her commitment to learning has paid off. Not only is she sustaining herself financially, but she’s also using products from her cows, like manure and urine, to boost her banana production—a perfect example of how farming and value addition can go hand in hand.
Through hard work and determination, Josephine’s dairy farm has become a source of income, ensuring she remains financially independent.
Her advice to others is simple: “Everyone should attend the expo because there’s a wealth of knowledge to gain. Farming isn’t just about planting crops; it’s about turning your work into a profitable business.”
The expo was sponsored by Pepsi, Abi, Engsol, Tunga Nutrition, UCD, Bella wines in partnership with Vision Group and the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
LEAD PHOTO CAPTION: Kagina says expos are a great platform for learning and networking. File photo