Free Agribusiness Apprenticeship for Women in Uganda.

Women running poultry, fish or pig businesses in Uganda have a rare chance to grow. Gudie Leisure Farm (GLF) and the GROW Project, under the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, have opened a call for a women in agribusiness apprenticeship.

The programme is free, and it combines 35 residential days of training with 90 days of mentored practice. Importantly, it is open to women who already run a micro or small business in poultry, aquaculture or piggery.

However, the window is short. Applications close on Friday, 16 October 2026, which is less than two weeks away. Moreover, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, so a complete application matters.

In this article, you will learn who qualifies, where training takes place and how to apply. Furthermore, you will see why the programme fits a bigger national push to help women-owned enterprises scale. Read on, then act early to secure your place.

What the Apprenticeship Offers

Firstly, the programme is fully funded. Training, accommodation, PPE, medical cover and mentorship are all paid for by the programme, so no cost is passed to the apprentice.

In addition, the learning is practical. After 35 residential days of training, apprentices move into 90 days of mentored practice. As a result, they can apply new skills directly in their own enterprises.

Who Can Apply

Applicants must meet all of the following conditions:

• Be a woman aged 18 or over, holding a National ID or Refugee ID.
• Run a micro or small business in poultry, aquaculture or piggery.
• Have operated the business for at least one year.
• Be able to spend 35 days in residence at a GLF training site.

Where Training Will Take Place

Each value chain has its own site. Therefore, choose the one that matches your business.

• Poultry: Walusi, Luweero
• Aquaculture: Najjera II, Wakiso
• Piggery: Masha, Isingiro

Why This Opportunity Matters

Meanwhile, the sectors involved are growing. Pork is estimated to be among the most consumed proteins in Uganda, and the poultry and pork sectors are central to food security. Similarly, the managing director of GLF has said domestic demand for fish is far higher than current production.

Women stand to gain from better skills. FAO notes that poultry needs less land than crops and other livestock, and that it has long been associated with women. By contrast, earlier national data showed men making up most of those engaged in fisheries and livestock production. An apprenticeship like this can help close that gap.

The Organisers Behind the Programme

The GROW Project is a $217 million, World Bank-backed initiative that helps women-led businesses move from micro to small and from small to medium scale. Notably, it operates nationwide, including in refugee-hosting communities.

Gudie Leisure Farm is a social enterprise that equips youth, women and refugees to build agro-based businesses. Besides that, its campsite teaches fish farming, poultry, piggery and horticulture. The managing director has also said it has trained over 120,000 young people to manage fish enterprises

Tips Before the 16 October Deadline

For example, keep your 400-word statement focused on your business, your goals and what you hope to learn. In addition, ask your LC office for the reference letter now, since letters can take time. Lastly, confirm that your three referees are ready to be contacted.

How to Apply

First, combine four items into one PDF file:

1. An expression of interest of no more than 400 words.
2. A copy of your National ID or Refugee ID.
3. Names, emails and phone numbers of three professional referees.
4. A reference letter from your business’s Local Council (LC).

Next, email the PDF to glf@gudieleisurefarm.org or hr.gudielf@gmail.com. Alternatively, send it on WhatsApp to 0789025104.

Disclaimer:

Africa Agricultural Network (AAN) is committed to informing and empowering agricultural communities across Africa as per our mandate. This article is for informational purposes only. Programme details come from the organisers’ call for expression of interest, and background figures from public reports, none of which AAN has independently verified. Please confirm all details with Gudie Leisure Farm before applying.