Milly Nanziri Kalule, a dedicated poultry farmer from Mutungo Zone 4 in Nakawa Division, has been running her poultry business successfully for eight years. She buys one-day-old broilers, raises them for a month, and sells them, continuously replenishing her stock. However, Nanziri’s journey hasn’t been without challenges, such as price fluctuations, diseases, poor-quality drugs, and limited capital, which have impacted her profitability and growth.
In mid-2024, while listening to CBS FM, Nanziri learned about the GROW loan and the six banks participating, including Post Bank. Intrigued by the opportunity, she shared the news with her family, who wholeheartedly supported her decision to pursue the loan. As a first-time borrower, Nanziri felt uncertain about the loan process, but her family’s unwavering support helped her navigate the process with confidence.
With the guidance of her daughter, Nanziri visited the Post Bank Bugolobi branch to inquire further. At the bank, the loan officer explained the necessary requirements for the GROW loan, which included collateral, a national identity card, passport photos, and two guarantors. Since Nanziri did not have personal property to offer as collateral, her supportive husband, Mr. Kalule generously provided a piece of land, which she submitted to the bank. Additionally, her husband and daughter stepped in as her guarantors, ensuring that she could access the loan. This family support was crucial in enabling Nanziri to obtain the financial resources she needed.
Within two months of submitting the required documents, Nanziri’s shs5,000,000 loan was approved by Post Bank.
With the loan, Nanziri was able to replenish her stock of 300 broilers, which she had just sold. She used the proceeds from the sale to purchase 150 additional birds and ordered 300 more, which were expected in two weeks. Beyond restocking her poultry farm, Nanziri is also eager to take advantage of the training and networking opportunities provided by the GROW Project. She sees these resources as key to enhancing her business skills and expanding her network within the industry.
Nanziri is grateful to the Government of Uganda for the GROW Project, which has empowered women entrepreneurs like her to grow their businesses and improve their economic well-being. Her story highlights the immense value of family support in accessing financial resources and the transformative impact of women’s entrepreneurship. Nanziri encourages other husbands to support their wives who wish to pursue business ventures, as this can significantly boost family income and foster long-term financial stability.
