Kyenjojo District Local Government, through the Katooke Dairy and Livestock Co-operative Society Ltd, has registered key progress in implementing activities under the Local Economic Growth Support (LEGS) project. The initiative is aimed at strengthening the dairy sector in Katooke Town Council and beyond, focusing on value addition, livestock improvement, and farmer empowerment.

 Cooperative Society members keenly follow proceedings in the meeting

At a meeting held at their offices in Katooke Town Council, the chairperson Mr. William Mulengwa, appreciated that the project has made notable strides in five key areas: establishment of a milk collection center, dairy demonstration unit, restocking and stocking of cattle, farmer trainings, and genetic improvement through artificial insemination.

Mr. William Mulengwa, the Katooke Dairy Cooperative Society Chairperson addresses the meeting

The milk collection center was officially launched on 18th June 2025 by the State Minister of Local Government at Katooke Town Council. However, despite the launch, the center is not yet operational due to insufficient volumes of milk supply required to sustain its operations. To address this, the co-operative executive resolved to hire a private partner to run the plant as members gradually build capacity. Additional training in management and group dynamics has also been initiated to strengthen the society’s leadership.

A demonstration farm has been identified to enable farmers access knowledge on improved pasture varieties, dairy production, and livestock management practices. Although the host farmer still faces compliance challenges, three heifers have so far been supplied to the unit. The demonstration farm is expected to contribute to job creation along the dairy value chain once fully operational.
The project has procured and distributed 39 heifers to local farmers using the district procurement system. While one animal succumbed to tick-borne diseases (TBDs), the rest are reportedly thriving. This intervention is expected to boost household incomes and milk production in the district.

Members on a tour of the demonstration farm of one of their members, Mr. Nkonge Edward

Heifers at Mr. Nkonge's demonstartion farm

Farmers have been taken through comprehensive trainings covering cooperative governance, financial literacy, group dynamics, animal husbandry, and feeding practices. Practical demonstrations were also conducted in animal feeding and nutrition. In addition, a farmer-to-farmer learning tour was conducted in Kyegegwa District, where participants gained hands-on exposure to cooperative operations and smallholder management practices.

To improve dairy cattle breeds, 16 artificial insemination (AI) technicians were trained and equipped, since inception, 859 cattle have been served through AI services, resulting in the delivery of 300 calves. To further support field operations, two motorcycles were handed over to Katooke Co-operative for use by AI technicians.

Despite the progress, challenges remain. These include insufficient milk volumes to operationalize the collection center, non-compliance by some farmers in project terms, cases of livestock deaths due to TBDs, and inadequate motorable transport to facilitate extension services.

The Senior Veterinary Officer, Mr. Kabagambe Adolf, commended the efforts made so far but emphasized the need for stronger farmer mobilization, improved disease control, and scaling up milk production to ensure the sustainability of the dairy sector in Kyenjojo. “With continuous training, farmer cooperation, and improved infrastructure, this project has the potential to transform the dairy value chain and significantly boost household incomes,” he remarked.

The Senior Veterinary Officer, Mr. Adolf Kabagambe gives his remarks

The Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, Mr. Yiga Martin Paul, commended the association for the efforts and big steps taken, and implored them to strive harder to even be better. he implored them to endeavor to revive the silent active members in payment of subscription fees for numbers. He also encouraged them to put in practice what they learned from the recent demonstration exposure trip they had in Kyegegwa district.

Mr. Yiga Martin Paul, the Deputy CAO Kyenjojo addresses the meeting

The District Chairperson, Mr. Gilbert Rubaihayo, also thanked the cooperative society for the cohesion and commitment to have it operational, noting that many in the country had failed to take off, or went dormant after inception. He encouraged them to often hold meetings to iron out any issues that may crop up, encouraged the farmers to look after the heifers very well, feed them, a balanced diet, so they can fatten and reproduce on time. He also promised together with the technical team to keep playing their oversight roles, to meet the artificial insemination officers do their work diligently and better services extended to the farmers.

Mr. Gilbert Rubaihayo, the Kyenjojo LC V Chairperson, addresses the meeting

 He however discouraged their idea to hire out the dairy facility to a private investor, as it would mean forfeiting their hard earned efforts but encouraged members to keep active, paying the subscription fees as and when required, as there is a plan in place to add extra heifers to the society for distribution to those members that have expressed interest.

Members in a group photo at the end of the engagement

Members on a tour of the demonstration farm of one of their members, Mr. Nkonge Edward

Memebers visit the goat section of the demonstartion farm