Government has earmarked 20 billion shillings for the expanded livestock restocking program in Northern Uganda under the Peace, Recovery and Development Program-PRDP. Rebecca Amuge Otengo, the state minister for Northern Uganda has been tasked to implement the program.
According to Amuge, the expanded restocking program will cover districts in West-Nile, Teso, Lango and Acholi sub regions. She says the program, which is aimed at empowering residents will be rolled out this financial year and run into the next financial year.
Otengo says that program is also aimed at boosting the capacity of formerly abducted people in Northern Uganda. She explains that each region will receive 5billion shillings to benefit between 8 to13 households in each parish in the beneficiary districts.
Gonzaga Mayanja, a commissioner in the office of the prime minister in charge Northern Uganda says the beneficiaries of the program include ex-combatants, orphans, former abductees, female headed families, child mothers, widows and elderly amongst others. He emphasize that 93% of the money will used to procure animals.
Mayanja says the procurement process will be handled directly by the office of the prime minister. Dr. Charles Noki, the Alebtong district veterinary officer has welcomed the program saying it will improve the livestock population in the region. He urges the beneficiaries to adhere to strict veterinary principals in order to keep the animals that they will receive.
Dr.Rickey Akeny presidential advisor on veterinary sector in Lango region has welcomed the program saying it empower communities that suffered the brunt of the LRA war for over two decades.
In 2011, the president donated several animals to various groups including women, youths, elderly and formerly abducted persons across Northern Uganda.