Renowned livestock model farmer from Rukungiri District, Dr. Sam Akankwasa, has added another milestone to his career after graduating from the Law Development Centre (LDC) with a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice (Bar Course), earning qualification to practice as an advocate in Uganda.
Dr. Akankwasa, who is widely recognised for his success in livestock enterprises including piggery, dairy farming and goat rearing, said his decision to pursue legal studies was inspired by the growing need to promote justice and protect the interests of farmers.
Speaking shortly after the graduation ceremony held in Kampala on Friday, Akankwasa said his legal career would complement rather than replace his agricultural work.
“I am a farmer involved in dairy farming, piggery, goat rearing and other agricultural activities. Today, we have graduated from the Law Development Centre with a Bar Course qualification, which enables us to become advocates in Uganda. I decided to study law because of the increasing demand for justice, especially for farmers,” he said.
Akankwasa currently serves as chairperson of the Rukungiri Producers Cooperative Union, a multi-purpose agricultural organisation operating in Rukungiri, Kanungu, Ntungamo, Mitooma, Kabale and neighbouring districts.
The cooperative is involved in various agricultural enterprises, including piggery, dairy farming and fish farming, supporting farmers through production and value addition initiatives.
He said one of his key motivations for joining the legal profession was to help farmers who often struggle to access justice due to the high costs associated with legal representation and court processes.
According to Akankwasa, many farmers invest significant resources in agriculture but are unable to seek legal redress when they encounter disputes, fraud or business-related challenges.
He also raised concern over the growing problem of counterfeit agricultural inputs, saying fake products continue to undermine farmers’ productivity and income.
“Farmers are losing money through fake products and illegal inputs sold on the market. Many need legal guidance but lack representation. I want to become a voice for farmers and help educate them about laws that affect their businesses,” he said.
Akankwasa encouraged farmers and professionals to broaden their knowledge beyond their areas of specialisation, saying legal awareness is important in every sector.
“Do not limit yourself to farming alone. Understand what is happening in other sectors because law affects everyone. Whether you are a farmer, a police officer, a soldier or an agriculturalist, you must know the laws that govern your work,” he added.
He further urged aspiring lawyers to follow the required legal training process, warning against individuals who present themselves as advocates without completing the necessary qualifications.
A total of 1,563 students graduated during the 53rd graduation ceremony of the Law Development Centre in Kampala.
Before establishing his model farm in Kashoroza Village, Rukungiri District, Dr. Akankwasa worked as a farming consultant in Kenya and Namibia. Upon returning to Uganda, he invested in modern livestock farming, with a major focus on piggery.
Through a partnership with the government’s Microfinance Support Centre under a piggery support programme, Akankwasa supported the distribution of improved pig breeds to farmers, an initiative credited with promoting piggery farming and improving livelihoods in western Uganda.