The Gulu Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Mr. Okidi Cosmas James, has handed over eleven (11) heifers to vulnerable women in Bungatira Sub-County. The ceremony took place on Monday at the Bungatira Sub-County headquarters in Gulu District and was witnessed by several community members from the area.
During the handover of the animals to the selected vulnerable women/beneficiaries, many people were excited and praised the sub-county authorities for such an initiative, as it was something the community had been expecting from the sub-county leadership in the area.
With support from Bungatira Sub-County under DDEG funding, this initiative aims to reduce poverty levels in the selected households, according to Deputy RDC Cosmas.
More people are expected to become beneficiaries of the program in the near future. The excited beneficiaries expressed their gratitude to the government for its continuous support in uplifting the status of disadvantaged community members in the country.
While handing over these animals, Deputy RDC Mr. Cosmas James Okidi warned beneficiaries against selling the heifers, emphasizing that the heifers are meant for breeding and offer associated benefits such as milk production and plowing, among others. He stated, “Prioritize their healthcare and feeding to maximize your benefits from these animals.”
The Deputy RDC also advised the elders to continue monitoring the well-being of these animals, and the RDC Office will maintain close oversight of their health and conditions.
A total of 11 beneficiaries have received heifers in Bungatira Sub-County so far, and more beneficiaries are expected to benefit from the same program.
In attendance were the Bungatira Local Council III (LC3) chairperson, SAS, veterinary officer, the Community Development Officer (CDO), alongside other local leaders and prominent stakeholders who attended the event in person.
The government, under the leadership of His Excellency Gen. Yoweri Museveni Kaguta, is focusing on wealth creation and socio-economic transformation. The DRDC urged, “Let’s transition to a money-based economy through commercial farming instead of subsistence farming or agriculture.”
In conclusion, James told this publication that there are key government programs such as PDM, Emyoga, among others, that the community in Gulu District should embrace to combat poverty.
One of the beneficiaries, aged 70, requested that her name be withheld but congratulated the government for providing her with a heifer cattle, which she plans to use to reduce poverty in her home.
