Growing up in a modest family in Mbale District, Uganda, Daniel Masaba overcame financial hardships to pursue a medical degree through a government scholarship. University life was tough; with limited support from home, Masaba relied on his ingenuity to make ends meet. Leveraging skills in graphic design and music that he acquired in secondary school, he supported himself by creating posters and performing as an MC at campus events.
After graduating and working as a field doctor, Masaba earned a respectable salary but felt constrained by the limitations of the medical profession. Despite societal expectations and the prestige of his career, he envisioned a different path — one aligned with his entrepreneurial spirit. In 2019, he made a bold move: leaving medicine to start a poultry farm.
Starting with basic research and advice from agricultural experts, Masaba established his farm on family land. Early challenges included finding reliable workers and sourcing quality feed, but his persistence paid off. Splitting his time between the hospital and the farm, he soon realized that poultry farming was more lucrative. Eventually, he transitioned full-time into agribusiness, naming his venture “Farm Up.”
Masaba’s entrepreneurial acumen expanded beyond farming. Recognizing a knowledge gap, he launched a YouTube channel to educate others about poultry farming. This initiative not only provided an additional income stream but also positioned him as a global consultant. Charging $100 for personalized advice, he has attracted clients worldwide, further solidifying his success.
Today, Farm Up is a thriving enterprise. Operating on 400 hectares, the farm hatches over 120,000 chicks weekly and supports diverse agricultural activities, including maize cultivation and livestock farming. To cut costs, Masaba strategically grows maize for poultry feed, reducing operational expenses while supporting the local economy with over 200 jobs.
