From Taxi driver to model farmer: Joseph Ijara’s inspiring transformation

Serere District, November 18, 2024 — In a compelling tale of resilience and innovation, Mr. Joseph Ijara, proprietor of Teifa Farm in Kakusi Cell, shared his journey from a humble taxi driver to a highly successful agricultural entrepreneur.

Mr. Ijara narrated his inspirational story during President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s visit to his farm as part of the President’s regional wealth creation assessment tour in the Teso sub-region.

“It all started 11 years ago,” Mr. Ijara recounted. “I was a taxi driver in Soroti when I attended a rally by the President on International Youth Day. His message about the 4-acre model and improving household income ignited a spark in me.”

Shortly after the rally, Mr. Ijara lost his taxi job, a setback he later described as a blessing in disguise.
“I owned 2.5 acres of inherited land and a few local chickens. Inspired by the President’s words, I took a risk, bought a small incubator, and expanded my chicken farm. Soon, I had 1,500 chickens,” he said.

Realizing the income from local chickens was insufficient, Mr. Ijara transitioned to layer chickens, enabling him to invest in dairy farming.

Starting with just four cows, he employed artificial insemination and veterinary support to grow his herd.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought challenges, but Mr. Ijara saw opportunities.
“When soap prices skyrocketed, I sold my non-laying chickens and purchased a soap-making machine. After training in Kampala, I started producing soap locally, creating a new income stream,” he explained.

Today, Teifa Farm spans 35 acres, with diversified enterprises including poultry, dairy farming, yoghurt production, soap-making, and more.

Mr. Ijara shared his farm’s impressive achievements; Dairy farming: 319 liters of milk daily, with nearly 200 liters processed into yoghurt and ghee, Soap production: A successful venture born out of pandemic challenges and Annual income: UGX 500–600 million net income from all projects.

“I want every Ugandan to know how the 4-acre model works. It’s about listening, applying the advice, and being determined. Wealth doesn’t require vast land—start where you are,” he urged.

Teifa Farm has become a beacon of transformation, employing 38 workers and training local farmers in value addition, cattle management, and soap-making.

“Changing mindsets is hard, but once it happens, progress follows,” Mr. Ijara said.

President Museveni lauded Mr. Ijara’s determination, citing his success as evidence of the effectiveness of the 4-acre model and the NRM’s economic strategies.
“Ijara’s story proves that with determination and strategic action, any Ugandan can thrive,” he said.

The President reiterated the importance of addressing land fragmentation and adopting high-value agriculture to ensure sustainable development.

The Rt. Hon. Anitah Among, Speaker of Parliament, expressed gratitude for government initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), which are empowering rural communities.
“PDM is a step in the right direction. It’s transforming lives, and we are seeing results in Teso,” she said.

Hon. Among also highlighted the need for breeding centers in Teso to enhance cattle quality, praising the government’s plans to address this gap.

The event was attended by key leaders, including Capt. Mike Mukula, NRM Vice Chairperson for Eastern Uganda; Hon. Peter Ogwang, State Minister for Sports; and Hon. Hellen Adoa, Minister of State for Fisheries.

Teso Sub-region, comprising 10 districts and Soroti City, stands as a testament to the transformative power of strategic leadership and community commitment.

Mr. Ijara’s journey serves as a powerful reminder that with the right mindset and determination, transformative change is within reach for every Ugandan.