By Steven Enatu.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has extended significant support to Betty Atia, a 32-year-old mother of five from Ocoro Koboi cell in Kapelebyong Town Council, by donating UGX 10 million to bolster her farming efforts. This donation was part of President Museveni’s assessment tour of the Parish Development Model (PDM) in the Teso sub-region, emphasizing the government’s commitment to uplifting rural households and enhancing their livelihoods.
Atia’s involvement with the PDM began earlier this year when she received an initial disbursement of UGX 993,000. Demonstrating initiative and foresight, she used the funds to purchase five piglets at UGX 200,000 each from Soroti, thus embarking on her pig farming journey. Despite limited resources, Atia’s determination was evident as she managed to sell one piglet after four months, using the proceeds to construct a temporary sty for her animals.
However, Atia faced numerous challenges that threatened the sustainability of her venture. The small plot of land her family occupies limited her ability to expand, and providing quality feeds for her pigs proved difficult due to financial constraints. It was during President Museveni’s visit that Atia, in a candid 10-minute conversation, described her struggles and aspirations. Touched by her resilience and commitment, the President pledged UGX 10 million to help Atia scale her farming operations and overcome these hurdles.
The President’s contribution aims to reinforce the objectives of the PDM—to support rural farmers like Atia in achieving financial independence and boosting their productivity. This act not only highlights the importance of direct government assistance but also serves as an inspiration for other farmers within the community to persist in their development efforts.
Betty Atia expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the President’s generosity, noting that the funds would be pivotal in expanding her pig sty, acquiring sufficient feed, and purchasing veterinary supplies to maintain the health of her livestock. With this boost, she hopes to grow her farming business, improve her family’s well-being, and contribute to the local economy.
The government’s focus on empowering individual farmers through initiatives like the PDM is a testament to its broader strategy for sustainable development in rural Uganda. This story of resilience and support encapsulates the potential for transformation when public initiatives align with community needs.