Miss Uwimana Jeannette, crowned Miss Innovation at the Miss Rwanda 2022 competition, has turned her pig farming venture into a source of empowerment, not only for herself but also for her community. Through her hard work and perseverance, she has grown her business while earning recognition as a Brand Ambassador for major organizations.
Despite her childhood fondness for pork, Uwimana candidly admits that she used to have an aversion to pigs. She reflects on how she loved the taste of pork but was uncomfortable around the animals themselves, a sentiment that later sparked her interest in farming.
Her journey into pig farming began during the Miss Rwanda 2022 competition. At the time, Uwimana saw the potential of pig farming as a vehicle for development. Pigs, she noted, have a rapid reproductive cycle, making them an ideal choice for quick returns. Her vision from the start was to leverage her success to help individuals with disabilities, a cause close to her heart.
In an interview with KURA in Nyanza District, where she runs her farm, Uwimana shared the many benefits she has gained from her venture. She credited her participation in Miss Rwanda for bringing her closer to realizing her dreams, both as an entrepreneur and as an advocate for social change.
Following the competition, Uwimana explored professional pig farming with guidance from her family, who have experience in the field. Their insights, combined with the rapid success she experienced as her pigs multiplied, inspired her to officially launch the business.
Her efforts were further supported by the Vision Agribusiness Fund, which provided her with essential training in pig farming. As her farm flourished, Uwimana began selling pigs and reinvesting the profits into other ventures, including expanding her farming operations and exploring new investment opportunities.
Uwimana’s success in pig farming has not only allowed her to build a profitable business but also to support her mission of helping people with disabilities as she herself is hearing impaired. She shared, “Once I received pigs, I donated one to a person with hearing and speech disabilities.”
Her commitment to giving back grew when she approached her local district for support in assisting vulnerable individuals. In December, she was able to provide pigs to six people in need, helping to improve their livelihoods.
Despite her own challenges, including her disability, Uwimana has shown remarkable resilience, earning the support of major organizations that believe in her vision. Through her project, she has received significant financial backing, including over 30 million Rwandan Francs from the Bank of Kigali and Equity Bank.
“The Miss Rwanda competition opened doors for me,” Uwimana explained. “It helped me attract sponsors, and through their support, I was able to expand my pig farming project. Of the 30 million Rwandan Francs, 24 million went directly into the project, while the rest supported my daily life.”
Her pig farming success has also led to numerous opportunities outside agriculture. Several organizations have appointed her as a Brand Ambassador, including UNICEF, RNUD, and INGAZI, recognizing her dedication and leadership.
Uwimana is a passionate advocate for youth empowerment, urging young people to boldly pursue their ideas and dreams. “I encourage young people to stop fearing failure,” she said. “There is no project they cannot undertake. Their ideas are valuable, and they have every right to express them. Fear holds us back, but confidence propels us forward.”
Despite facing mockery due to her hearing and speech disabilities, Uwimana’s confidence and determination helped her shine in the Miss Rwanda competition. Her victory serves as a powerful reminder that obstacles can be overcome, and success is within reach, no matter the challenges one faces.
Uwimana Jeannette’s story is an inspiring testament to the power of resilience, innovation, and social responsibility. Her journey from a young woman with a disability to a successful entrepreneur and advocate for change is a beacon of hope for others striving to make a difference.
