By Eumu Emmanuel
Kaberamaido District, Uganda – In a gesture towards community development and cultural preservation, Pwodi Ebot has donated 578 hectares of land to the Kumam Culture Heritage for transformative projects aimed at job creation and local economic development.
According to Mzee Ekwamu Nelson, a senior member of the community, the land—formerly part of the Pwodi Ebot cattle ranch—spans across five villages. The donation marks a new chapter in the ranch’s history, which began in 1967 with just five founding members. Each of them contributed five cows and paid a subscription fee of two shillings. Since then, membership has grown to 32, reflecting strong communal commitment to progress.
Ekwamu emphasized that while the land has always belonged to the community, the arrival of Kumam Culture Heritage presents a timely opportunity for development and job creation—especially for unemployed youth in the region.
Patrick Edyelu, the Deputy Minister for Education under Kumam Culture Heritage, acknowledged that the community has long used the land freely for cultivation. He welcomed the new initiative, stating: “We are ready to join hands to support the development His Royal Highness has brought for the betterment of the Kumam people.”
Peter Ekilu, Deputy Perimeter 02, revealed plans for a dairy goat project that aims to improve local livestock breeds. “This project will help us get high-breed goats, which fetch better prices compared to the local ones we currently rear.”
Ms. Jessica Ataii, the project manager, confirmed that preparations are underway, and the project will commence in the coming days. She added that by January 2026, the site will be fully operational—with goats, milking machines, and sausage-making equipment installed. The project is expected to generate employment and improve the quality of animal husbandry in the area.
His Royal Highness Raphael Otaya extended his gratitude to the members of the Pwodi Ebot cattle ranch for embracing development in Kaberamaido District, which he described as “the heart of the Kumam.” He also appealed for protection and security of the equipment that will be brought in.
Otaya revealed that securing the project involved extensive negotiations, including international discussions held in London. Despite attending via Zoom, he affirmed that the Kumam community successfully took charge of the initiative. “I call upon all Kumam people to unite, support the project, and await the day when the work officially begins,” he said.