By Nathan Eyagu 

SOROTI - As poultry farming continues to rise across Teso and Uganda due to the increasing demand for eggs and chicken, one farmer stands out for his deliberate approach and perseverance.

Ediu Paul, the proprietor of Tedge Poultry Farm located in Amen Ward, Soroti City, embarked on this venture after years of careful planning and hard work, determined to seize the growing opportunities in the sector.

Unlike many who rush into investments without fully understanding the industry, Ediu spent four years meticulously planning his farm. From molding bricks to constructing the farm structures, much of the work was done during the COVID-19 lockdown. He used funds he earned while working for an NGO in South Sudan to lay the foundation for his poultry business.

"We started with dilapidated structures out there. That's when we realized we needed to do things the right way. It's been an interesting journey, and today, we are very proud to stand here at Tedge Poultry Farm," Ediu shared during an interview.

Ediu explained that building the farm took time, patience, and a professional approach. It took four years before they saw their first egg. This long wait taught him invaluable lessons about resilience and the importance of doing things right.

Today, Tedge Poultry Farm has grown significantly, boasting about 5,000 layers, despite some mortality among the birds. Ediu spent 26 million UGX on his first batch of 5,600 chicks, and the farm now holds around 7,000 birds, both young and mature.

In addition to egg production, the farm also imports and raises other birds, which are sold at one month old to farmers who struggle with raising day-old chicks. "We have about 1,500 birds from Nigeria and another 2,000. Some of them have already been sold because we raise them to one month for people who can’t manage day-old chicks," Ediu explained.

When asked if he had sought government assistance in funding his venture, Ediu described himself as a humble African entrepreneur who has not worked with the government. His background in a business-oriented family helped him succeed, and even during his high school years, he was involved in small businesses, such as selling omena (silverfish). This early entrepreneurial spirit helped inspire him to start his farm using funds from his work in South Sudan.

"The first structure was built during the COVID-19 lockdown with limited resources. Our first batch of chickens was imported from Turkey, and they have been laying eggs ever since," Ediu noted.

He acknowledged that loans play a critical role for new entrepreneurs, even though many shy away from them. "Loans are essential; you can't avoid them as a beginner. It's a profitable venture, but it requires focus, resilience, and knowing exactly what you want to achieve."

Understanding the market in the Teso region has been key to Ediu’s success. He emphasized that there is a growing and lucrative market for poultry products, encouraging others to tap into the business. "If more people venture into poultry farming, Teso can become a better place for all of us."

One of the challenges the farm faces is the rising cost of feeds, particularly maize bran, due to the increase in maize prices. However, Ediu is confident that the imported birds have adapted well to the local environment and diet, which consists mainly of maize bran and other local ingredients. "The only special ingredient we add to their feed is the one that provides all the necessary nutrients for quality eggs," he added.

With security surveillance cameras installed around the farm, Tedge Poultry Farm ensures its operations are secure and efficient. "Our goal is to feed all of Teso with fresh eggs daily," Ediu proudly declared.

Due to the increasing demand for training in poultry farming, Ediu explained that the farm initially offered free training sessions. However, they soon realized that operational costs, such as disinfectants and other supplies, made this unsustainable. They now charge a modest fee of 20,000 UGX per trainee.

Ediu emphasized that continuous learning is crucial for anyone in the poultry business. "You have to visit other farms as much as possible to learn from them," he said, adding that he dreams of visiting farms in the Netherlands, a country renowned for its advanced farming practices. "I believe we can learn a lot from them and help Teso grow to that level."

Ediu Paul’s story is one of patience, resilience, and vision—a perfect example of how thoughtful planning and dedication can turn a business dream into a thriving reality in Uganda's poultry industry.