At Kabonera Farmers Enterprise in Masaka, Centenary Foundation’s support has been a game-changer. Before the foundation’s intervention, farmers were exploited by middlemen who offered cheap market rates for their coffee harvest. However, with the foundation’s provision of 4 million-loans to each farmer, the enterprise has been transformed. Today, the enterprise is composed of over 30 women, registering a 50 percent increase, and farmers are now able to run multiple farming projects without depending on only coffee.

For Kayemba Henry, Centenary Foundation’s support has been instrumental in expanding his projects. “When I personally got the loan from Centenary Bank, it helped expand my projects, the first cash was 4 million which I used to buy fertiliser and increase my harvest. I also tried chicken and expanded to 1700 birds, all based on that availed cash.” He adds, “The two broiler chickens I each bought at 3500shs, turned into 40,000 per chicken in sales”

Other farmers, like Matovu Emmanuel and Nanyonjo Theodora (Teo), have also benefited from Centenary Foundation’s support. Henry was able to pay school fees and plant in time, while Teo was able to yield more harvest and pay school fees from the bounty. “We appreciate the Foundation so much, but we need interest rates reduced for ordinary women, ordinary women,” Teo emphasizes.

As Centenary Foundation continues to support farmers in Masaka, it is clear that its impact will be felt for years to come. By providing access to markets, finance, and training, the foundation is empowering farmers to break free from the cycle of poverty and transform their lives. As Joseph Damulira notes, “Considering we have expanded to other regions like Rakai, transport costs often bite into farmer pockets, as we rent cars and consider warehouses, we will need the Foundation to now recognize that!” With Centenary Foundation’s continued support, farmers in Masaka are confident that they will be able to overcome the challenges they face and achieve prosperity.