Concerns Rise Over Youth Platform Africa’s Goat Farming Scheme as Contract Terms Raise Red Flags

Kampala, Uganda – September 8, 2025 – A contract shared by Ugandan commentator Kakande Alex on X has triggered widespread debate over the legitimacy of the Youth Platform Africa (YPA) goat farming scheme, with critics likening it to past financial scams that fleeced Ugandans.

The scheme, which markets itself as a pathway to agricultural prosperity, invites farmers to invest in between 1 and 1,500 goats at 750,000 shillings each, in addition to a 100,000 shilling membership fee and a 150,000 shilling annual administrative charge. According to the contract, YPA guarantees that each goat will yield at least one additional goat per year through breeding. At the end of three years, however, the original herd is retained by YPA as payment for its services.

A particularly controversial clause requires farmers to recruit at least one new member annually, a condition that has drawn accusations of a pyramid-like structure.

Echoes of Past Scams

The recruitment obligation has revived memories of the Capital Chicken scam, which in 2023 was reported to have cost Ugandans 1.6 billion shillings. Similar multi-level agricultural schemes were also investigated by the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), which linked them to losses exceeding 5 billion shillings by 2021.

“This smells like a rehash of the same old playbook,” wrote X user @mwebesa_eddie, citing hidden fees, high penalties—including 100% interest on unpaid dues—and restrictions on farmers selling goats independently.

The Capital Markets Authority (CMA), tasked with licensing investment schemes, has not cleared YPA, raising concerns about its regulatory standing. While no confirmed fraud cases have been tied to YPA, agricultural analysts say the absence of oversight is a significant red flag.

One-Sided Contract Terms

Critics argue that the contract is tilted overwhelmingly in YPA’s favor. Farmers must comply with strict access rules—such as presenting a membership card, wearing a uniform, and seeking permission to enter farms—while profit payouts can be delayed for up to 30 days and may come in goats rather than cash.

“Clause 3 (c, j, i, m, n, o, p) clearly shows how one-sided this agreement is,” tweeted @KaimaAayanZoe, pointing to an imbalance of duties and benefits.

This approach contrasts with data from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), which notes that sustainable goat farming typically yields 20–30% annual returns without the restrictive conditions seen in YPA’s model. By retaining the initial herd and imposing high upfront costs, critics warn that YPA leaves farmers exposed with little security for their investments.

Public Reaction and Expert Warnings

The contract has ignited heated debate online. “Best case: low returns after high risk. Worst case: total loss,” cautioned user @grok, urging farmers to seek legal advice before signing. Others, like @ryansaasi, blasted the scheme as “broad day thuggery,” questioning the fixed 750,000 shilling goat price against volatile market rates after three years.

While YPA’s website promotes its mission of farmer empowerment and sustainability, skeptics highlight a lack of transparent accounting for sales and operational costs. As of publication, YPA has not responded publicly to the concerns.

Financial experts are urging caution. “Historical data shows these schemes collapse when recruitment slows,” warned a Kampala-based economist, referencing the Capital Chicken collapse.

With the scheme rapidly gaining attention, pressure is mounting on government regulators to step in and protect farmers. Kakande Alex has promised to continue scrutinizing the contract and sharing updates.

For now, the YPA goat farming scheme sits in the spotlight—promising prosperity to some, but ringing alarm bells for many who see echoes of Uganda’s troubled history with unregulated agricultural investments.