Residents of Sembabule District are calling on the government to revive and reinvest in a goat farming project that once transformed livelihoods, warning that its continued decline could push many households back into poverty.
The project, introduced in 2023, aimed to improve household incomes by distributing improved goat breeds to farmers across the district. It quickly became a lifeline for many rural families, with beneficiaries reporting increased incomes, better housing, and improved access to education for their children.
However, the once-thriving initiative is now struggling, with farmers citing inadequate funding, livestock diseases, and lack of reliable markets as major setbacks.
Under the programme, farmers received improved breeds such as Boer and Savanna goats, known for their fast growth and high productivity. Beneficiaries were required to have at least 100 acres of land and were given between 50 and 500 goats, though most started with 50.
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Richard Amamo, a resident of Nalukonge village in Mitima Sub-county, says the project significantly improved his livelihood.
"I received 50 goats from Ssembeguya, and they have enabled me to buy land and invest in coffee farming. My income has greatly improved," he said.
Another beneficiary, Abel Rwomurembe, says goat farming lifted him out of extreme poverty.
"I used to live in a grass-thatched house, but now I have a permanent home. I can pay school fees for my children, and I now own five acres of coffee. All this came from the goats I received through Ssembeguya," he explained.
Despite these success stories, farmers say the project is now facing serious challenges.
They cite frequent disease outbreaks and limited access to veterinary services as major concerns. In addition, the lack of structured markets has left many farmers unable to sell their goats at profitable prices.
District veterinary officer Paul Muluga acknowledges the challenges, noting that limited resources have made it difficult to effectively manage livestock health.
"We vaccinate the goats before giving them to farmers, but we face transport challenges in reaching more than 250 beneficiaries across Sembabule. We appeal to the government for support," he said.
The project was implemented through renowned farmer Paul Ssembeguya, who was identified by the government after demonstrating success in goat farming.
Government reportedly pledged Shs15 billion towards the initiative, but Ssembeguya says only Shs2 billion was disbursed.
"I used to receive funds quarterly, but this stopped a long time ago. I was forced to use my own resources to sustain the project, which became difficult over time," he said.
As a result, some of the land initially dedicated to goat rearing is now being used for crop farming, particularly maize, while other portions are being leased out.
"I was allocated two square miles for grazing, but the situation has since changed," he added.
Many residents now fear the project could collapse completely if urgent action is not taken. They argue that the initiative still holds great potential to uplift communities if properly supported.
"If the government increases funding and helps us find markets, many people in Sembabule can get out of poverty through goat farming. Imagine a youth receiving 50 goats--would they need anything else?" one resident said.
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Experts say goat farming remains a viable and profitable venture. Improved breeds reproduce quickly and fetch good market prices.
They estimate that with proper management, a farmer with 50 goats can produce up to 144 kids annually. A four-month-old goat can sell for about Shs250,000, potentially generating over Shs2.5 million per month and up to Shs38 million annually.
Residents are now urging the government to:
- Increase funding to the project
- Strengthen veterinary services
- Establish reliable markets for goat products
They believe reviving the initiative would not only restore lost gains but also expand opportunities for more households across the district.
As uncertainty looms, the fate of the Sembabule goat project hangs in the balance. For many families, its revival could mean the difference between sustained progress and a return to poverty.
