Karimojong can produce beef for export- experts

Residents said beef production will only succeed with improved animal quality.

People in Karamoja have been advised to improve the quality of their animals and cash in on beef production now that there is peace in the sub-region.

This call was made by the Kotido deputy chief administrative officer, Mr Mark Lochieng, while opening the National Agricultural Advisory services (Naads) stakeholders meeting in Kotido on Tuesday.

“Karamoja is capable of producing beef for export because the pastoralists can keep millions of animals which can supply the beef factories,” Mr Lochieng said.

Mr Locheing added that insecurity and cattle rustling which had affected Karamoja for decades are no more. He advised the Karimojong to begin large-scale cattle keeping with improved quality for commercial purposes which can be exported worldwide. He said Karamoja is one of the best producers of beef in Uganda as it has vast land compared to Malawi.

However, some pastoralists had mixed reactions over the suggestion.
Mr Patrick Lomuriamoi, a pastoralist in Kotido, said although he had over 500 heads of cattle in the early 1990s, all these were raided.

editorial@ug.nationmedia.com