Sembabule Goat Farmers Seek Museveni's Help Amid Land Disputes and Sabotage Claims

Farmers from Sembabule District, involved in a government-backed goat breeding initiative, have directly petitioned President Museveni for intervention. They highlight funding holdups from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), attempts to seize project land, and growing insecurity at the Kakinga Village facility in Ntusi Sub-county.

The controversy surrounds land originally from Ranch 25, allocated in 2004 by Museveni to Paul Sembeguya’s estate for the programme. On February 19, 2026, farm manager Bashir Andida reported an attack by pastoralists led by Lwemiyanga County MP elect, Rtd Brig Emmanuel Rwashande, who faces assault charges at Sembabule Central Police Station. Rwashande denies involvement, insisting the land should serve public grazers.

Agriculture Minister Frank Tumwebaze wrote to Lands Minister Judith Nabakooba in March and April 2026, flagging suspected illegal titling of plot FVR 789/5 and urging a caveat to protect MAAIF’s interests. Nabakooba confirmed an ongoing probe. Sembeguya counters that the project thrives, with goats distributed to beneficiaries across districts.

Launched in 2005, the scheme provides 50 goats per farmer, yielding up to 160 offspring in 14 months, boosting livelihoods in Uganda’s cattle corridor. Beneficiary Joy Kamasanyu credits it with funding her children’s education and home construction.

Local leaders, including District Chairperson Patrick Nkalubo and RDC Jane Francis Kagayi, call for peaceful resolution and heightened security. MAAIF is investigating the ranchland’s status amid the standoff.

Source: Daily Monitor