Diana Nabukenya Adeyemi launched Richland Foods Ltd during Uganda's COVID-19 lockdown in 2020. Her company runs Yo 'Nyama halal butchery kitchens that serve more than 500 homes each week. The business began as a way to sell meat directly to customers and avoid middlemen. Adeyemi wanted to improve Uganda's poor meat-handling practices after seeing better methods abroad. Her family already raised livestock when she started the new venture.
Working as a woman in Uganda's male-dominated agriculture business brought many challenges. Traditional middlemen pushed back against her direct sales approach. Adeyemi balanced a full-time job with building her company, which made financing difficult. She needed money for equipment but struggled to find it. The entrepreneur built her business around integrity, customer focus and accountability.
Yo 'Nyama creates value-added meat products beyond basic raw cuts. The company makes slow-smoked meats, marinated cuts, sausages and ready-to-eat items. Workers smoke meat for 12 to 24 hours to make it tender and flavorful. Halal certification became a key part of the brand identity. The process ensures the meat meets Islamic dietary rules and food safety standards.
The company works directly with more than 100 registered farmers across three districts. Richland Foods operates its farm in Zirobwe that produces poultry, eggs and vegetables. The business employs over 20 people directly and supports 50 more workers indirectly. Adeyemi participated in dfcu Bank's Rising Woman Initiative program for women entrepreneurs. The program helped her company adopt halal certification and refine business strategies.
Working as a woman in Uganda's male-dominated agriculture business brought many challenges. Traditional middlemen pushed back against her direct sales approach. Adeyemi balanced a full-time job with building her company, which made financing difficult. She needed money for equipment but struggled to find it. The entrepreneur built her business around integrity, customer focus and accountability.
Yo 'Nyama creates value-added meat products beyond basic raw cuts. The company makes slow-smoked meats, marinated cuts, sausages and ready-to-eat items. Workers smoke meat for 12 to 24 hours to make it tender and flavorful. Halal certification became a key part of the brand identity. The process ensures the meat meets Islamic dietary rules and food safety standards.
The company works directly with more than 100 registered farmers across three districts. Richland Foods operates its farm in Zirobwe that produces poultry, eggs and vegetables. The business employs over 20 people directly and supports 50 more workers indirectly. Adeyemi participated in dfcu Bank's Rising Woman Initiative program for women entrepreneurs. The program helped her company adopt halal certification and refine business strategies.
