From Kamwokya streets to a dog empire: The rise of ‘Uncle Dogs’

What the report says

The Observer profiles Sharif Ssemwanga, widely known as “Uncle Dogs,” whose dog breeding and training business is based in Buwate, a growing suburb of Kampala. The report says Ssemwanga’s interest in dogs began during his childhood in Kamwokya, where his family lived near Kampala Animal Clinic along Mawanda Road, giving him regular contact with the animals.

According to the account, his hobby became a commercial venture in 2009 after a British expatriate on Kanjokya Street gave him a German Shepherd. Ssemwanga later sold the dog to musician and politician Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, also known as Bobi Wine, in a transaction he says earned Shs 800,000. He then acquired more dogs and expanded into grooming and cleaning, reportedly building a client base that included prominent Kampala businesspeople and families.

The Observer reports that Ssemwanga’s business grew further through a partnership with Martin Ssebunya, who imported dogs and placed them under Ssemwanga’s care. Their kennel activities later included dog walks and an annual dog festival launched in 2022, intended to connect breeders, owners and prospective buyers. Ssemwanga says he has at times cared for up to 80 dogs and now operates a breeding farm in Kalagala, Luwero district, while developing a four-acre canine facility for breeding, training and showcasing different breeds.

The profile also highlights the costs and risks of the trade, including feeding, veterinary care and dog bites. Ssemwanga stresses vaccination against diseases such as rabies and parvovirus, and says popular breeds in Uganda include German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois and Rottweilers, with demand linked to companionship and home security needs.