By Richard Onapatum
Nakapiripirit, Uganda – President Yoweri Museveni has commended the people of Karamoja for abandoning cattle rustling and embracing peace, which has paved the way for development in the region.
Speaking in Nakapiripirit District, President Museveni said that the peace and stability in the region have enabled the government to implement development programs, including the Parish Development Model (PDM).
“The way we’re moving, we’re moving very well. The government now needs to plan for massive production of products such as eggs, pork, and beef industry,” President Museveni said.
He emphasized that the PDM program is aimed at increasing household incomes and improving the quality of life of Ugandans by transitioning subsistence-level households into the money economy.
President Museveni also visited Lokong Emmanuel Losike, a piggery farmer in Kakomokwee Village, who is one of the beneficiaries of the PDM program. Lokong received Shs. 1 million from the program and used it to start a green gram/bean business, which he later abandoned for piggery.
“I received Shs. 1 million from the PDM program and used it to hire four acres of land, each at Shs. 70,000, to start a green gram/bean business,” Lokong explained. “However, the business did not do well, and I decided to venture into piggery.”
Lokong said that he bought five piglets at Shs. 80,000 each and started a piggery project, which has since grown to 22 pigs, including 12 piglets.
“I sold five pigs at Shs. 400,000 each and used the money to buy more feed and construct a pigsty,” Lokong said. “I plan to sell the mature pigs at Shs. 400,000 each and use the money to expand my business.”
President Museveni commended Lokong for his vision and encouraged him to continue working hard to achieve his goals.
Nakapiripirit District Veterinary Officer, Mr. Simon Peter Arionga, said that livestock farming in Karamoja is a profitable venture, with over 170,000 cattle farmers, 883 goat rearers, and 322 piggery farmers in the region.
“The most critical things in piggery are feeding, housing, and disease control,” Arionga said. “Lokong is a farmer with a good vision destined for success. We now expect him to start maize growing to start producing maize brand, which is now sold at Shs. 500 per kilogram.”
The President’s visit to Karamoja is part of his ongoing assessment of the PDM program in various parts of the country.