By jjengo Eria

In a significant boost to the dairy sector in Nakaseke District, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government, Mr. Ben Kumumanya, has commissioned the UGX 845 million Buwana Milk Collection Centre. Located in Kinyogoga Sub-County, the facility was constructed under the Local Economic Growth Support (LEGS) Project and marks a major milestone in strengthening the dairy value chain and enhancing rural incomes across the Nakaseke cattle corridor.

The LEGS Project has made several strategic investments in Nakaseke, including the rehabilitation of the 33 km Gomero–Migani–Kagongi–Buwana Road, construction of the Gayaza–Kalungu–Mityomere Community Access Road, Magoma and Katelekamese Market Sheds, the Kikwata Coffee Processing Facility, and the Kiwoko Maize Milling Plant. These developments have greatly improved connectivity and market linkages, enabling farmers to transport their produce, particularly milk, more efficiently and profitably.

According to Mr. Abaho Dan, Chairperson of the Buwana Comparative Milk Group, the community has sufficient milk supply to fully utilize the facility. Plans are underway to venture into milk value addition to help stabilize and improve prices. “Currently, a litre of milk goes for UGX 700, but we hope this will increase once value is added through processing,” he said. The improved Gomero–Migani road has also eased access to markets, resulting in increased prices for milk. “In the past, when the road was impassable, a litre of milk would fetch only UGX 200. Today, thanks to the improved infrastructure, prices have risen to UGX 700,” Mr. Abaho noted.

The LEGS Project also trained Artificial Insemination (AI) technicians in the district, equipping local youth and extension workers with skills to offer AI services. This move is expected to improve cattle breeds and increase milk production. The Permanent Secretary, Ben Kumumanya, commended Nakaseke District for its commendable service delivery and impressive revenue collection efforts. He assured the district of consideration under LEGS II, citing their commitment to implementing Government programmes. With the commissioning of the Buwana Milk Collection Centre, Nakaseke’s dairy sector is poised for significant growth, and the community is set to benefit from improved milk prices, increased productivity, and enhanced livelihoods.