Uganda Vegan Society Celebrates Major Win in Animal Welfare as Soola Chicken Farm Commits to Cage-Free Future

Soola Chicken Farm, located in Magyiye, Gayaza, Wakiso District, has pledged to transition to a 100% cage-free farming system by 2030.

This commitment follows two years of sustained advocacy by the Uganda Vegan Society (UVS), marking a major achievement in the country's push for more humane and sustainable farming practices.

Soola Chicken Farm's Executive Director, Mr. Kisame Shafiq, made the announcement, expressing his commitment to improving the conditions for thousands of hens currently housed in cages.

"This decision aligns with our vision to promote ethical and sustainable farming practices," Mr. Kisame said, adding that the farm plans to construct new deep-litter housing systems to accommodate the transition.

UVS Executive Director, Nabaasa Innocent, hailed the farm's decision as a turning point in Uganda's poultry industry.

"Our goal has always been to promote compassion for animals, and this success with Soola Chicken Farm shows that Uganda is ready for more humane farming systems." Nabaasa noted.

The move to cage-free farming is expected to significantly improve the welfare of the farm’s hens, allowing them to roam more freely, stretch their wings, and engage in natural behaviors like nesting and foraging.

These changes will lead to healthier and less stressed birds, which in turn can produce better quality eggs and contribute to a more sustainable environment.

Benefits of Cage-Free Farming

Enhanced animal welfare - Hens will have the space to engage in their natural behaviors, reducing stress and enhancing overall health.

Better health outcomes - With more room to move and less crowding, hens face lower risks of disease and injury.

Environmental impact - Cage-free systems are more eco-friendly, promoting sustainable farming practices by reducing waste and resource use.
Soola Chicken Farm's Roadmap to Change.

As part of the commitment, Soola Chicken Farm will begin constructing specialized deep-litter chicken houses, designed to meet the needs of hens in a cage-free environment.

Mr. Kisame also plans to use his influence within the farming community to encourage other poultry farms to adopt similar humane practices.

UVS, through its continuous advocacy efforts, remains dedicated to driving the change toward animal welfare in Uganda’s farming sector.

Nabaasa Innocent emphasized the importance of public awareness in supporting this shift.

“We encourage consumers to choose cage-free products and support farmers making ethical choices," she added.

As part of their broader mission, the Uganda Vegan Society continues to promote plant-based lifestyles, animal welfare, and sustainable living, and they hope this success will pave the way for more positive changes across the country.