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Govt Distributes Livestock to Butaleja Farmers Affected by Wetland Restoration

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Govt Distributes Livestock to Butaleja Farmers Affected by Wetland Restoration
Wetland in Butaleja District

The Government, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), has distributed cattle and goats to farmers in Nawanjofu and Busaba sub-counties, Butaleja District, as part of a livelihood enhancement initiative.

The distribution follows the government's efforts to restore wetlands that were previously used for farming by the local communities.

In the first phase of the program, 44 heifers and goats were handed over to farmers based on their individual preferences.

Valued at Shs1 billion, the initiative aims to provide alternative sources of income for communities affected by the wetland restoration.

Speaking at the event, Butaleja District Chairman Michael Higenyi Bore emphasized that this was just the beginning.

“Next week, we will distribute 220 heads of cattle to farmers in Busabi sub-county as part of the second phase of this initiative,” he said, adding that efforts are underway to reach all affected farmers.

Lamula Were, the district's Natural Resources Officer, noted that the program encourages farmers to identify alternative enterprises to replace wetland cultivation, with many opting for dairy farming, goat rearing, piggery, poultry, and fish farming.

She commended the government and UNDP for their timely intervention but urged the beneficiaries not to sell the livestock prematurely.

She emphasised the importance of planting grass for pasture and assured them of regular monitoring.

Jackson Twebaze Ndahayo, the district veterinary officer, acknowledged the delays in the livestock distribution due to quarantine restrictions.

He assured farmers of continued support, including free artificial insemination services for the cattle after two months.

However, some concerns were raised about the quality of the distributed livestock. Godfrey Nasuga Musulemi, the Assistant Resident District Commissioner (RDC), acknowledged complaints about the goats being too young to rear effectively.

Musulemi encouraged residents to support the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government, praising its commitment to improving livelihoods.

He also highlighted the challenges posed by wetland restoration, particularly the impact of flooding on rice farming in restored areas such as Busaba (Magongolo), Busabi (Dumbu), and Nawanjofu (Namehere).

This initiative marks a significant step toward restoring wetlands while ensuring that affected communities can sustain their livelihoods through alternative income-generating activities.

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