Excitement as govt’ distributes 150 heifers to Bunyoro farmers
KIRYNDONGO, May 24, 2025 –– There was excitement among farmers from various districts in Bunyoro as the government distributed 150 heifers to boost milk production, and enhance incomes of the beneficiaries.
The distribution exercise for the heifers was officially launched on Thursday in Kiryandongo district by Jennifer Kacha Namuyangu, the State Minister for Bunyoro Affairs.
Speaking to theCooperator News, Namuyangu said each district in Bunyoro Subregion would receive between 10 and 15 calves, depending on population size and need. The heifers were procured through the Office of the Prime Minister with the aim of economically empowering local communities and reducing poverty.
“This programme is meant to uplift the people of Bunyoro from poverty through economic empowerment. Dairy farming is one of the key sectors that can quickly improve livelihoods,” she said. She also urged residents to take advantage of large-scale oil-related developments in the region, including the East African Crude Oil Pipeline, Hoima Stadium, the oil refinery, and the airport under construction.
Namuyangu emphasised that beneficiaries were carefully selected based on their capacity to care for the animals, urging them to ensure the calves multiply. “These heifers are a supplement to other government programmes in the region. The animals need proper care — including medication, good nutrition, and shelter — to be productive. They can be a reliable source of milk, especially for workers in the growing oil sector,” she said.
She also called on agricultural extension workers in local governments to provide farmers with technical support to ensure the success of the initiative and warned beneficiaries against selling the animals, stating that strict action would be taken against defaulters.
Edith Aliguma, the Kiryandongo district LCV Chairperson, praised the government for its ongoing efforts to fight poverty. She noted that interventions such as the Parish Development Model, Emyooga, and other micro-projects had positively impacted communities.
“We appreciate the government’s continued support, from iron sheets that have improved our schools, to the hoes that have motivated agricultural engagement. The heifers will improve milk production, nutrition, and household incomes,” she said.
Aliguma added that beneficiaries had been trained on how to care for the animals and that local leaders would follow up to ensure proper implementation.
Jonathan Akweiteireho, Deputy Resident District Commissioner for Kiryandongo, raised concerns about rising cattle theft in the area, saying it was undermining people’s livelihoods.
“We promise to help secure these animals, but we need your collaboration. Selling the heifers is prohibited, and our security teams will monitor compliance. Work closely with local security to report cattle theft, as the thieves often live among you,” he said.
Esther Nekessa, a beneficiary from Buhomozi Village, expressed gratitude to the government for the support. “This heifer will help me pay school fees and support my family,” she said.
Jane Ajok from Kigumba Town Council said she never imagined owning cattle. “As a poor woman, I never thought I’d have livestock. I’ll ensure the calf multiplies,” she said.
Issa Hassan Byenkya, Production and Marketing Officer for Kiryandongo district, commended the government for promoting dairy development and praised the veterinary team for verifying the animals’ quality.
“These are high-quality heifers. With proper care, each can produce a calf every year,” he said.
https://thecooperator.news/masindi-kiryandongo-maize-farmers-trained-on-proper-use-of-fertilisers/
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