Omona Calls for Reforms at Aswa Ranch

The Minister of State for Northern Uganda, Dr Kenneth Omona Olusegun, has called for urgent reforms at the National Animal Genetic Resources Centre and Data Bank (NAGRC-DB) Farm in Aswa Ranch. 

During his monitoring visit on Thursday, Omona expressed frustration over the ranch’s failure to meet its objectives despite significant government investment in livestock projects.

Projects such as cattle crossbreeding, camel rearing, and piggery are planned, with some taking place already at the ranch. The minister further criticized the management for lacking proper records and accountability, warning that inefficiency would hinder further government support especially when he lacks backing records for the ranch's activities while appearing for the budgeting process.

Accompanied by Aruu North MP Santa Okot, Pader District Chairperson Fearless Obwoya Oyat, Chief Administrative Officer Michael Wanje, District Police Commander Jackson Bogere, Resident District Commissioner Amos Asimwe and other local leaders, the minister was briefed on the ranch’s challenges. 

Obwoya noted that NAGRC-DB Farm in  Aswa Ranch was meant to boost livestock production and provide training for local farmers, but these goals remain largely unfulfilled. He pointed to concerns over low milk production which is averaging just half a litre per cow per day among farmers in Pader, and urged NAGRC-DB to prioritize local farmers in livestock auctions, expand training, and introduce aquaculture and improved animal feeds to enhance productivity.  

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Okot raised concerns about long-standing land disputes between the community and the government and she warned that tensions could disrupt further development intended by the NAGRC-DB. She also alleged that portions of the ranch’s land had been allocated to ruling party members who lost parliamentary elections, which she said was unfair. 

She also claimed that some residents' properties had been destroyed without proper legal procedures, thus, intensifying frustrations. Okot insisted that resolving these disputes should be a priority before any new projects are implemented and supported by the district.  

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Omona emphasized that the government is committed to investing in ranches nationwide, including Aswa, but insisted that reforms must be made to ensure its efficiency and community cooperation. He condemned individuals spreading misinformation about the ranch’s boundaries.

He also announced plans for stakeholder meetings to address disputes and ensure the land serves its intended purpose.  

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The NAGRC-DB Farm Manager Gadison Tushabomwe however defended the ranch’s operations by denying forced evictions and instead blaming local people for acts of indiscipline such as bushfires and illegal trapping of the animals in the protected areas. He urged locals to desist from such indiscipline acts warning that it amounts to imminent arrest. 

Tushabomwe encouraged community members to take advantage of the free artificial insemination services provided at the ranch. 

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According to official records, NAGRC-DB Farm in Aswa Ranch currently has over 2,700 cattle, 61 camels, and an unspecified number of goats. Aswa ranch land was leased to the government under its agency, Uganda Livestock Industry (ULI) for 99 years in 1966 by the local communities. They further leased the land to NAGRC-DB for animal breed improvement and beef rearing.