He Lost His Job, Then Built a 600M Farm | Mr. Ijala’s 4-Acre Model Success Story

Mr. Joseph Ijala, the proprietor of Teifa Farm in Kakusi cell, Serere District, on 18th November 2024 shared an inspiring journey of resilience and success, proving that with the right mindset and determination, transformative change is possible.

From a humble beginning as a taxi driver to leading a diversified agricultural enterprise, Mr. Ijala’s story exemplifies the potential of practical action.

Mr. Ijala shared his inspirational life story today during President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s visit at his home in Serere District , Teso Sub- Region as a model farmer for the 4-acre model farm.

The President was undertaking a regional wealth creation assessment tour in the Teso sub-region.

“It all started 11 years ago. At the time, I was working as a taxi driver in Soroti. One day, I heard that the President was holding a rally in Soroti to celebrate International Youth Day. Out of curiosity, I attended,” Mr. Ijala said.

“The President spoke passionately about the 4-acre model and strategies to improve household income. That message sparked something in me.”
Shortly after the rally, Mr. Ijala’s life took an unexpected turn.

“I was fired from my taxi job, and at first, I felt angry and uncertain,” he recounted.

“But I owned 2.5 acres of inherited land and had a few local chickens. Inspired by the President’s words, I decided to take a risk. I bought a small incubator and began expanding my local chicken farm. Before long, I had 1,500 chickens,” he noted.

Despite this progress, he soon faced another challenge; the income from local chickens was not enough.

“I transitioned to layer chickens, and the earnings from selling eggs allowed me to invest in dairy farming. I started with four cows, and through artificial insemination and veterinary support, my herd grew rapidly,”he added.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought unforeseen difficulties but also new opportunities.

“During the pandemic, soap prices soared to 7,000 shillings per bar in Serere. I saw the need and decided to act. I sold off my non-laying chickens and bought a soap-making machine. After receiving training in Kampala, I returned and taught my staff how to produce soap. That’s how our soap project began,” Mr. Ijala explained.

Today, Teifa Farm spans 35 acres and has diversified into multiple sectors.
“Our dairy cows produce 319 litres of milk per day, with nearly 200 litres used for yoghurt production. We also make ghee,” Mr. Ijala shared.
“I want to assure every Ugandan that the President’s 4-acre model works. You need to listen, apply the advice, and be determined.”

Mr. Ijala’s experience highlights that wealth does not require vast land.
“Start from where you are, don’t wait for someone else to step in. The President’s message changed my mindset, and that made all the difference,” he urged.

“Today, I earn an annual net income of sh500 million to sh600 million from my projects. Losing my job as a taxi driver felt unfair then, but now I am grateful because it pushed me to this path.”

To his fellow Ugandans, Mr. Ijala emphasised the power of action.
“Many people hear the President’s message but don’t put it into practice. If you don’t apply what you learn, it won’t become a reality. I acted on it, and it has changed my life,” he said.

He said that Teifa Farm’s growth has also positively impacted the community.

“I now employ 38 people and have trained farmers in value addition, cattle management, and soap-making. I’m proud to say I’ve become a disciple of the President’s message of self-sufficiency, and I’m spreading it,” Mr. Ijala stated.

“Changing people’s mindsets is hard, but once they shift, progress follows. Thank you, Your Excellency, for your inspiration. Your message works. It’s not rocket science—it’s about taking practical steps and being determined. I am proof that with the right mindset, any Ugandan can thrive,” he remarked.

On his part, President Museveni shared insights on the impact of the National Resistance Movement (NRM)’s economic strategies, drawing parallels between leadership and the practice of medicine.

President Museveni emphasised that effective leadership requires precise diagnosis and tailored prescriptions for solutions.

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