Story
28 January 2026
Building sustainable livelihoods through youth entrepreneurship in West Nile
In the expansive savannah plains of Terego District, Uganda, 26-year-old Peter Oyok moves confidently through his poultry house, checking on his 1,300 birds. The morning routine of collecting eggs represents more than daily income—it symbolises a transformation from struggling student to successful entrepreneur.What began as desperate YouTube searches for business ideas has transformed into something he never imagined: a thriving enterprise that employs over 20 people and supplies eggs across refugee settlements and trading centres throughout the Terego and Madi Okollo districts of West Nile, Uganda.Peter's entrepreneurial journey began out of necessity. When financial constraints threatened to end his education, he refused to accept limitations. With parents supporting multiple children and step-siblings, resources were stretched thin despite having adequate farmland for cultivation.Determined to create opportunities, Peter and his brother started a second-hand clothing business. However, disappointing profits led them to seek alternatives. Peter's curiosity about fish farming eventually evolved into something more practical after discovering YouTube videos of Ugandan poultry entrepreneurs. "Since the world is now digitalised, I always follow things on YouTube," Peter explains, reflecting on how young people can leverage technology to acquire business knowledge even in remote areas.Converting their clothing business into startup capital, Peter raised US$1,000 to construct poultry structures and invested US$729 in buying 600 one-day-old chicks. His brother, David, joined as a business partner, and together they built what would become a thriving operation.Today, Peter's business generates US$1,630 monthly from selling an average of 570 eggs (19 trays) daily. His operation employs his brother as accountant and sales manager, four female attendants, and 16 casual workers. The business supplies eggs across Imvepi Refugee Settlement, host communities, and over 20 trading centres throughout Terego District.Peter's breakthrough came when the World Food Programme's Agriculture and Market Support programme, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, through ForAfrika, identified his poultry business as a promising enterprise. This five-year partnership, launched in March 2022, aims to create 73,000 jobs for youth across Uganda's food systems by 2027. Through the programme, Peter received comprehensive business development support, including training in record-keeping, business growth strategies, and connections to essential extension services. The initiative linked him with partner organisations such as Omia Agribusiness for vaccination services and market linkages, plus eMaisha, a digital financial company providing financial literacy training and e-voucher cards for streamlined transactions."Small businesses usually struggle with keeping records, but through the training, I learned proper financial management, which helps me calculate profits and plan for growth," Peter reflects.Peter also acquired a cargo tricycle through the programme to safely transport his fragile produce. The vehicle has reduced egg breakage during delivery and allows him to move larger quantities to markets across the district, significantly cutting losses and boosting profits. Peter's success represents one story within a comprehensive initiative spanning 15 districts across Uganda. By mid-2025, the WFP-Mastercard Foundation partnership has reached 75,000 youth, including 61% women and 29% refugees. The programme has supported 2,363 youth-led enterprises across six value chains: maize, beans, sorghum, cassava, oil seeds, and horticulture. Emerging value chains—poultry, fisheries, and apiculture—are also covered, reflecting youth interests and market demand.Through production training, market linkages, financial inclusion, and digital connectivity, these enterprises have generated US$1 million in sales. Youth participants have mobilised US$4 million in savings and accessed US$1.9 million in loans, enabling 52,000 youth to transition into work."From the previous state, that state of life that I've been through, I think the earnings, the living, is now a bit simplified," Peter reflects on how the programme support has improved life for him and his group members.His enterprise has enabled him to support his siblings' educational needs, breaking cycles of limited opportunity that once threatened his future."Business is not for those who have money," Peter states with conviction. "Set a goal, have the right attitude and take the risk. That way, you can achieve what you never imagined."Peter has ambitious plans for expansion. He hopes to purchase additional land and expand his flock, potentially diversifying into other agricultural ventures. His vision extends beyond personal success to creating more employment opportunities for youth in his community.