ANKOLE-MASAKA VALLEY DAMS UNDER SIEGE! M7 Asked In Dossier To Rescue Cattle Corridor Water Sources… Encroachers Accused Of Grabbing Protected Land As Dams Silt Up
KAMPALA – A fresh alarm has been raised over the deteriorating state of valley dams in Uganda’s Ankole-Masaka cattle corridor, with President Yoweri Museveni being urged to intervene before the vital livestock water sources lose their usefulness.
In a letter dated August 8, 2026, and received on November 10, livestock sector concerned citizen Ampe Aaron Kaviiri Ateenyi appealed to the President to order the protection and restoration of valley dams, accusing influential individuals of encroaching on gazetted reserve land surrounding the public water facilities.
Ateenyi warns that the encroachment, coupled with years of neglect and failure to desilt the dams, is threatening livestock production and exposing farmers to worsening water shortages during prolonged dry spells.
The valley dams were established as strategic water reservoirs to sustain cattle during the harsh dry seasons, particularly around March and April, locally known as Akanda. They have served as critical lifelines for livestock farmers, helping keep animals alive when water sources dry up.
But Ateenyi says many of these public investments are now losing their capacity to serve communities because the protected land around them, locally known as Karandaranda, has allegedly been occupied by private individuals.
He claims some of the encroachers are influential people, including leaders, who allegedly enjoy protection or support from certain government officials.
The alleged land grabbing has reportedly compromised water catchment areas, restricted livestock access and undermined the dams’ ability to serve the wider farming community.
SILT TAKES OVER
Beyond the alleged encroachment, Ateenyi says several valley dams have gone for years without rehabilitation or desilting, leaving them heavily clogged with silt and reducing their water-storage capacity.
He warns that some can no longer hold sufficient water to sustain livestock through prolonged drought, defeating the very purpose for which they were constructed.
Among the dams he identifies as requiring urgent attention are Kyamagaju in Rwetamu, Rwobusito in Kinoni, Ekirofa in Kenshunga, Rwemirondo in Rwetamu, Bugarihe in Rwemikoma, Kishangura in Kinoni, Tangiriza in Rwemikoma and Rwoburundo in Kinoni.
Others include Kyakabunga in Nyakashashara, Rwamakara in Lwemiyaga and Kanyanya in Rwenshande.
Ateenyi says these are only some of the affected facilities, with several other valley dams across the cattle corridor also requiring restoration.
MUSEVENI ASKED TO ACT
In his appeal, Ateenyi wants Museveni to direct relevant ministries, government departments and local authorities to reclaim all gazetted valley dam reserve land by removing illegal occupants.
He also wants investigations launched into government officials who allegedly facilitated or allowed the occupation of protected areas.
The President is further being asked to prioritise rehabilitation and desilting of the dams, while strengthening systems to protect and manage the public water infrastructure.
Ateenyi argues that allowing the dams to deteriorate or fall into private hands threatens livestock production, household incomes and the ability of cattle-keeping communities to withstand climate-related shocks.
He says government must protect the facilities because they were established using public resources for the benefit of all livestock farmers, not a privileged few.
The appeal comes amid growing concerns over the vulnerability of cattle farmers to prolonged dry seasons, when access to reliable water can determine whether herds survive or perish.
Ateenyi believes urgent presidential intervention could restore the valley dams as dependable water granaries and safeguard livelihoods across the cattle corridor.
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