By Richard  Onapatum

Katakwi: The Vice President of Uganda, Maj. Rtd. Jessica Alupo, in collaboration with the State House, has empowered farmers in Katakwi District by distributing hybrid goats through the State House Poverty Alleviation Programme. This initiative, aimed at reducing poverty, provides essential resources to households living below the poverty line.

On Thursday, May 23, 2024, a total of 112 beneficiaries from Aketa Model Village in Ongongoja Sub-county, Usuk County, received 404 goats. This distribution followed an earlier batch on February 27, 2024, where 49 beneficiaries were given 191 goats.

The programme focuses on identifying, training, and equipping rural farmers with livestock, including goats, pigs, and sheep, and other resources like Saccos to enhance their livelihoods.

A total of 112 beneficiaries from Aketa Model Village, Ongongoja Sub-county, Usuk County, received 404 goats from the Poverty Alleviation Department of the State House. This distribution followed a previous batch on February 27, 2024, where 49 beneficiaries received 191 goats.

Joan Kakwenzire, Head of the Poverty Alleviation Department, highlighted Vice President Alupo’s support in implementing the programme in Katakwi District.

She emphasized that the initiative focuses on small-scale projects that significantly impact vulnerable communities by providing tangible assets that help them quickly escape poverty.

Kakwenzire also expressed gratitude to Vice President Alupo for her authorization and support and cautioned beneficiaries against selling the provided goats, urging them instead to maintain and multiply their livestock. She encouraged the practice of passing on offspring to neighbours to foster community growth.

Additionally, Kakwenzire stressed the importance of food security in Teso, given the region’s ample land resources, and taught women how to create kitchen gardens to provide nutritious food for their families.

She introduced her technical team, who will return to Aketa Model Village to train residents in hygiene, home management, body cleanliness, food security, and animal maintenance.

In a message delivered by Karenga District RDC Filbert Ocailap, Vice President Alupo, who also serves as the Woman Member of Parliament for Katakwi District, expressed appreciation to President Museveni for supporting the Poverty Alleviation Programme.

She encouraged beneficiaries to embrace government initiatives and protect the provided resources, thanking the NRM government for its efforts in alleviating poverty through income-generating projects.

RDC Ocailap echoed the cultural significance of livestock in Teso, noting that owning animals is a mark of wealth.

The next model parishes to benefit from the programme will be Arusiaakan in NGARIAM and Angodingond in Toroma County.