For years, Dr. Sam Akankwasa built his reputation in western Uganda as a successful livestock farmer, transforming livelihoods through piggery, dairy farming and farmer cooperatives.
On Friday, however, the Rukungiri-based model farmer added a new title to his name after graduating with a Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice (Bar Course) from the Law Development Centre (LDC), qualifying him to practice as an advocate in Uganda.
While many know him for his achievements in agriculture, Dr. Akankwasa says his decision to study law was inspired by a challenge he repeatedly encountered while working with farmers: access to justice.
“I decided to study law because of the demand for justice in Uganda. Farmers have no voice. Many invest all their money in farming and when legal problems arise, they are advised not to go to court because it could destroy their business,” he said shortly after graduation.
Akankwasa argues that farmers remain among the most vulnerable groups in society, often falling victim to counterfeit agricultural products, unfair contracts and exploitation, with limited access to legal support.
“We have illegal products on the market and fake farm inputs that farmers buy at a high cost. When they suffer losses, many cannot afford legal action. They need someone to speak for them,” he said.
The farmer-turned-lawyer, who serves as Chairperson of the Rukungiri Producers Cooperative Union, which operates across Rukungiri, Kanungu, Ntungamo, Mitooma and Kabale districts, believes legal literacy should extend beyond the legal profession.
“Law is life. Whether you are a farmer, a police officer, a military officer or an agriculturalist, you must know the law that governs you. Otherwise, people will tell you something is against the law, but which law?” he said.
Despite joining the legal profession, Akankwasa insists he is not leaving agriculture behind. Instead, he intends to combine legal practice with farming to advocate for farmers’ rights and educate communities about laws that affect agriculture and business.
“Farming is a good thing, especially when it changes people’s lives. But farmers should not limit themselves. They should understand what is happening in other sectors and acquire knowledge that can help them protect what they build,” he added.
Before establishing his model farm in Kashoroza Village, Rukungiri District, Akankwasa worked as a farming consultant in Kenya and Namibia.
Upon returning to Uganda, he invested in modern livestock farming and became widely known for promoting piggery, dairy farming and other agricultural enterprises.
Through partnerships, including government-supported livestock programmes, he has helped distribute improved pig breeds and contributed to improving household incomes and boosting livestock production across western Uganda.
Akankwasa was among 1,563 graduates who received qualifications during the 53rd graduation ceremony of the Law Development Centre in Kampala.
His journey from agriculture to the legal profession highlights the growing intersection between farming, business and legal knowledge, as more professionals seek diverse skills to address challenges within their communities.
