We visited a small chicken farmer in Buhoma — the village right at the entrance to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. What struck us immediately was the care this man puts into his work. The farm is tiny, the building simple and made of wood, typical for this part of Uganda. But the way he handles his animals tells a different story.
Chicks from Kampala, raised with care
He explained everything to us. The chicks come from Kampala — a journey of over 400 kilometers on Uganda's bumpy roads. He buys each chick for about $2.50 and then raises them on his small farm. What matters most to him: no stress for the animals. He lets the chickens grow at their own pace, feeds them well, and keeps the farm clean.
Once the chicks have grown, he sells them. A young chicken goes for about $4, a fully grown one for $10 to $15. That might not sound like much, but in Buhoma it's a solid income — and he's built it entirely on his own, with patience and genuine love for his animals.
A different side of Buhoma
Most visitors come to Buhoma for gorilla trekking and never see this side of the village. But this is where the real Buhoma lives — in the small farms, the daily routines, the people who make their living from the land. Spending an hour with this farmer was one of the most genuine experiences of our trip.
Travel Tip
Ask your guide in Buhoma about community visits. Meeting local farmers, craftspeople, or school projects is easy to arrange and gives you a completely different perspective on life near Bwindi.