The Government of Uganda has stepped up efforts to tackle household poverty in Kabarole District with the distribution of 21 high-yield, in-calf heifers to selected families in Rwengaju, a model sub-county under the Presidential Initiative on the Poverty Alleviation Programme (PAP).
The livestock support is intended to strengthen rural livelihoods, expand income opportunities and drive inclusive economic growth at the community level.
The heifers were handed over following a strict accreditation and verification process undertaken by the Sub-county Poverty Alleviation Committee. According to Kiconco Josephine, Assistant Private Secretary to the President, the programme will be closely monitored to ensure the animals are properly managed and that the benefits are shared among all households in the parish over time.
Speaking at the handover ceremony at Kyembogo Datic grounds, Kabarole Assistant RDC Frank Asaba cautioned beneficiaries against selling or slaughtering the animals, especially during the festive season.
He stressed that the livestock is an investment meant to stimulate long-term income growth, not short-term consumption. “The President has given you these heifers to improve your household income. Rear them well and use them to uplift your families,” he said.
Asaba urged residents to embrace productive economic activities, take advantage of the prevailing peace and stability, and prioritise investments in their children’s education. He also warned LC1 leaders against issuing night-time cattle movement permits without proper scrutiny, a loophole that could enable theft or misuse of the donated heifers.
Hon. Resty Balinda, Secretary for Production in Kabarole District, noted that Rwengaju continues to benefit from several government interventions including the Parish Development Model, water for production facilities, piglets and poultry distribution. She said such progress underscores the need to safeguard ongoing development initiatives.
Several beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the government and President Yoweri Museveni, pledging to take good care of the animals to generate income and improve their living standards.
The heifer distribution marks another step in the government’s wider push to stimulate household-level productivity and reduce poverty across rural Uganda.