12 districts to benefit from Shs140b livelihood project

KAABONG- At least 42,000 households are set to benefit from the construction of valley dams and livestock markets in the drought-prone districts in Karamoja Sub-region.

During the ground-breaking ceremony in Usaka Village, Kamion Sub-couty in Kaabong District on Tuesday, the Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Mr Vincent Ssempijja, in his speech read by the Ethics and Integrity minister, Rev Fr Simon Lokodo, said the availability of dams and markets will not only promote cross-border trade but will also help in building resilience of the pastoral communities.

“All this infrastructure is aimed at promoting trade and food security through embracing commercial agriculture,” Mr Sempijja said, adding that it is also to ensure availability of adequate water for the beneficiary communities. The project is being implemented in Abim, Amuria, Amudat, Bukedea, Katakwi, Kotido, Kaabong, Kween, Kumi, Napak, Moroto and Nakapiripirit districts under the Regional Pastoral Livelihoods Resilience Project (RPLRP) at a cost of $40 million from the World Bank.

Among the dams to be constructed include Tajar in Bukedea, Cheptere in Kween, Aooyalet in Nakapiripirit, Nakumama in Napak, Agurut in Kumi, Onganyakonye in Amuria, Omunga in Abim and Usake in Kaabong.

Under the market access and trade component, the government has started establishing Ajesai Holding Ground in Katakwi, Akoromit Cattle Market in Kumi, Nyero Slaughter Shed in Kumi, Ocorimongin Cattle Market in Katakwi, Ongino Cattle market in Kumi, Bukedea Cattle market in Bukedea, and Chepsikunya Cattle market in Kween, among others.

The project is being implemented by the ministry of Agriculture and it will take five years. “This will improve the livelihoods of pastoralists that are highly dependent on the cash incomes derived from livestock and livestock products,” Mr Sempijja, said.

Dr Stephen Kajura, the national project coordinator, said there will also be establishment of border check points, quarantine stations and communal crushes. “This project is fully designed with all the components to address challenges facing pastoral communities,” he said.

Dodoth East Member of Parliament Samson Lolokeru applauded the government for the programme, saying it support the economic elevation of the people in the area.

Mr Lolokeru added since the project is being implemented by Uganda, Kenya and Ethipia, it will solve pastoral fights over water and pasture.

Kaabong Woman MP Rose Lily Loakello warned the contractors against sexually harassment of women during project implementation. “We have had enough reports of contractors sexually abusing our girls leaving them pregnant with your children,” she said.
The RDC, Mr Alex Dachila, also warned the contractors against shoddy work.
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