A livestock development project initiated by Kazo Woman Member of Parliament, Hon. Jennifer Muheesi, has yielded significant success, with more than 1,200 pigs bred from an initial distribution of 100.
The project, implemented in partnership with the National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS), targeted over 30 farmer groups across Kazo District with the aim of improving household incomes and food security.
Hon. Muheesi, who lobbied for the livestock support in her first year in Parliament, handed over 100 pigs to organized groups in seven sub-counties including Kazo Town Council, Kanoni, Engari, Buremba, Nkungu, Migina, Kyampangara and Kazo Sub-county.
The project has since recorded a substantial population growth, with pig numbers rising above 1,500 in total, as reported by field supervisors.
“The objective of this intervention is to help families earn an income, diversify their livelihoods and improve nutrition. We are pleased that the groups have multiplied the initial pigs and managed the project responsibly,” Hon. Muheesi said in a recent interview.
According to data from the project’s coordination team, beneficiaries received between 3 to 6 pigs per group, depending on size and readiness.
In Kazo Town Council, four groups—Rwemirondo, Kazo I, Byeshembe and Obwengara—received three pigs each. In Kanoni Sub-county, Nyarubanga (4 pigs), Mbogo (5), and Rwakahaya (4) benefited.
Engari Sub-county hosted several women’s groups including Nsheshe Bakyara Twimukye (4 pigs), Keicumu Tukwatanise (4), Rugando Bakyara Twebeiseho (3), and Nsheshe Twetungure (3). Buremba Sub-county was served through Ngomba Piggery Group (6 pigs), Rushango Piggery Group (3), and Kabingo Bakyara Group (4).
In Nkungu Sub-county, four groups including Kakukuru Bakyara Tumanyane and Kakukuru Pig Keepers each received three or four pigs. Migina Sub-county had Kyembogo Youth, Kikoni Abamwe, and Akafene Youth Group as beneficiaries. Kyampangara Sub-county was represented by Kyampangara Twetungure (6 pigs) and Bakyara Twimukye (3), while Kazo Sub-county hosted Kayanga (5), Kashenyi (5), and Young Youth in Development (4).
Hon. Muheesi said the project is guided by principles of continuity and quality assurance. “Beyond distribution, we have ensured follow-up through sensitization programs, veterinary support and ongoing technical supervision. We want to make sure farmers maintain proper hygiene, adopt improved housing and feed their animals well,” she noted.
Local leaders praised the initiative for its long-term impact. Mr Muhangi Henry a senior citizen residing in Rwemirondo said the project had improved the local economy.
“We are seeing youth groups and women collectives take ownership of their livelihoods. Some are already selling piglets and using the proceeds to meet household needs,” he said.
Several beneficiaries interviewed by The Standard expressed appreciation to the MP for supporting income-generating activities beyond conventional agriculture.
One beneficiary member of Kakukuru Bakyara Tumanyane, said the piggery project had enabled her group to plan for school fees and emergency savings. “This project has restored hope. We are no longer depending on seasonal crops alone,” she said.
The Kazo Woman MP is also known for championing coffee production under the Muheesi Coffee Growing Promotion Initiative, dubbed Little Brazil, which has seen more than 730,000 seedlings distributed across the district.
Her multi-pronged approach to agriculture and rural development continues to position her among the leading voices on household income transformation ahead of the 2026 elections.
Her office has indicated that more livestock distributions are planned, with additional groups being vetted for inclusion in the next phase. The ongoing success of the piggery project has become a model for participatory development in the Ankole sub-region.
