agriculture 9 April 2026 The Observer (Uganda)
Kalangala Farmers Reject Sickly Government Piglets, Demand Probe and Compensation
Farmers in Kalangala district are protesting after receiving diseased piglets from a government program, claiming the animals spread African swine fever and wiped out their existing livestock. They have petitioned the RDC for an investigation into procurement irregularities and compensation for losses. Source: https://observer.ug/news/kalangala-farmers-protest-reject-sickly-govt-piglets
Farmers from Kalangala district have lodged a formal complaint with the Resident District Commissioner’s office over piglets distributed by the government that turned out to be unhealthy.
Under the National Oil Palm Programme (NOPP) by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, over 350 piglets were given last month to households lacking space for oil palm farming. However, more than 270 reportedly died within weeks from suspected African swine fever, allegedly carried by the supplied animals.
Local farmer Godfrey Ssekanyike from Mwena Ward shared that his two received piglets infected his farm, killing 11 out of 14 mature pigs. He suspects foul play in procurement, hinting at a possible syndicate between suppliers and officials to misuse project funds.
Another farmer, Gerald Akampa, lost his entire herd of 12 pigs after introducing the program piglets, which were supposedly vetted by district veterinary officers. He warned of street protests if no compensation is provided.
Kalangala’s assistant RDC, Henry Lubuulwa, acknowledged the petition and announced a meeting with stakeholders, alongside instructions for the district vet to compile a disease report.
NOPP spokesperson Anthony Wanyoto urged calm, noting that animal samples are under analysis to inform next steps.
Source: The Observer (Uganda)