Govt distributes 16,000 cattle to Karimojong

Karamoja- The government through the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) has distributed 16,266 livestock to families in Karamoja Sub-region under the restocking programme launched in 2014.

Mr Francis Okori, the Commissioner-in-charge of Karamoja Affairs in OPM, said the livestock was distributed at a time the First Lady, Ms Janet Museveni, served as minister for Karamoja Affairs.

Ms Museveni was appointed Karamoja Affairs minister in 2009 before she assumed a new role as minister of Education two years ago.
The Karamoja restocking programme is aimed at empowering the Karamoja communities to improve their livelihood.

“Since 2014 when the programme was launched, we have distributed 16,266 livestock to various families in the region and we are still distributing,” Mr Okori said.

He added that 8,642 are oxen and ox-ploughs, while 7,624 are heifers.

He added that each household received two oxen and one oxen-plough.

Grateful
Ms Rose Nakut, a beneficiary, hailed the government for the intervention.

She said the offer comes in handy since she lost her oxen in the army protected kraals during the disarmament process.

She has been facing challenges in opening up land for cultivation.
“I believe I can now open up land and produce enough food for my family,” she said.

Most families in Karamoja lost their livestock as a result of ethnic cattle rustling.

However; the region is now peaceful after government launched a successful disarmament exercise.

Mr John Byabagambi, the minister for Karamoja Affairs, asked the Karimojong to support the programme to end cattle theft and increase food production.

Mr Joseph Lomonyang, the LC5 chairperson of Napak District, hailed government for the restocking programme, saying it has calmed down tempers of Karimojong who lost their cattle in the army protected kraals during disarmament exercise.
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