Africa-Press – Uganda. When Diana Nabukenya Adeyemi co-founded Richland Foods Ltd during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, she wasn’t just launching another meat business—she was challenging the status quo in Uganda’s meat value chain.
With a background rooted in a family livestock enterprise and experience abroad, Diana built Yo ‘Nyama, a halal-certified brand that blends modern food safety standards with authentic, locally sourced meats.
In this exclusive interview, Nabukenya reflects on her journey as a woman entrepreneur in a male-dominated agribusiness sector, the inspiration behind Yo ‘Nyama, and the pivotal role played by the dfcu Rising Woman Initiative in scaling her enterprise.
What inspired you to start Richland Foods Ltd?
I started Richland Foods in 2020 during the lockdown. I saw a gap in Uganda’s meat-handling standards and wanted to raise the bar by offering clean, safe, and high-quality meat. With our family livestock farm already running, we built a direct-to-consumer model and launched Yo ‘Nyama—a halal brand rooted in food safety, transparency, and trust.
What major challenges have you faced, especially as a woman in agribusiness?
The skepticism was real. Many didn’t take me seriously. Middlemen tried to exploit us. I was juggling a full-time job while bootstrapping the business, which was exhausting. Accessing capital, especially for cold-chain equipment, was tough.
HR was a challenge too—we lacked formal systems. And we had to compete with unregulated players who cut corners, making it hard to maintain premium standards.
What values guide your leadership and decision-making?
Integrity, customer focus, and accountability. I lead with passion and persistence. We also stay agile—quickly responding to trends. That’s how we evolved from selling raw meat to offering slow-smoked, marinated, and ready-to-eat meat products that stand out for their flavor and quality.
What sets Richland Foods apart in Uganda’s meat industry?
Yo ‘Nyama isn’t just a butchery—it’s a food innovation brand. We offer slow-smoked meats, sausages, spiced cuts, and halal-certified products, all focused on value addition. Our meats are smoked for 12–24 hours, making them tender, flavorful, and healthier. We’re also proudly supporting import substitution with locally sourced products.
Do you work with local farmers?
Absolutely. We have over 100 registered farmers in Kampala, Wakiso, and Mukono. Our own farm in Zirobwe supplies poultry, eggs, and vegetables. We also buy from smallholder farmers—connecting rural producers to urban markets and creating value across the chain.
How did you get involved with the dfcu Rising Woman Initiative?
A friend invited me to a Women in Business event hosted by dfcu. I was so inspired—I finally felt seen. I applied, refined my pitch, and joined the program. It was transformational.
What stood out for you during the program?
The feedback from the judges pushed us to pursue halal certification—it’s now central to our brand. The Nairobi exposure trip was eye-opening. Meeting other women entrepreneurs helped me realize that being a woman in business is not a weakness—it’s a strength.
What impact did making the top 10 have on your business?
It validated our vision. It showed us that you don’t need shortcuts—just integrity, focus, and consistency. We gained visibility, mentorship, and renewed purpose.
What’s the measurable impact of Richland Foods today?
We serve over 500 homes weekly. We directly support more than 100 farmers and have worked with nearly 1,000 over the past five years. We employ 20 people directly and another 50+ indirectly, from riders to rural animal traders. We’ve built an ecosystem that uplifts the entire meat value chain.
The dfcu Rising Woman Initiative sharpened our business strategy and raised our profile. It’s a powerful platform that turns raw potential into real impact—and I’m proud to be part of it.
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