The Rt. Hon. Prime Minister of Uganda, Robinah Nabbanja, graced the launch event held on Thursday, 27th June 2024, at the Iganga District Headquarters.
The ceremony marked the official commencement of the distribution program, where the Prime Minister personally handed over dairy heifers to beneficiaries.
The Government of Uganda has allocated funds to the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry, and Fisheries for a Dairy Heifer Intervention project in order to boost dairy farming and enhance livelihoods across the Busoga Sub-Region. The initiative, which is managed through the NAADS Secretariat, aims to promote sustainable agriculture and economic growth by providing dairy heifers to farmers in the region.
Each district within the Busoga Sub-Region received 30 dairy heifers for eligible farmers. Each individual beneficiary or group received a cow. This strategic allocation aims to not only increase milk production but also empower local farmers economically by improving their livestock holdings.
The launch event was attended by local leaders, and agricultural officials, and excited farmers eager to participate in the program. Addressing the audience, the Prime Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting agriculture as a foundation of Uganda’s economic development strategy. She highlighted the importance of initiatives like the Dairy Heifer Intervention in fostering sustainable farming practices and enhancing food security across the Busoga Sub-Region.
“I am pleased to witness the beginning of this initiative in Busoga Sub-Region,” stated the Prime Minister. “By providing dairy heifers to farmers, we are not only investing in agriculture but also empowering our communities to become self-reliant and prosperous.”
The Dairy Heifer Intervention is expected to have far-reaching impacts, not only on individual households but also on the broader agricultural landscape of Busoga Sub-Region. Through improved livestock management and increased milk production, the initiative aims to uplift rural communities, reduce poverty, and create sustainable livelihoods for thousands of families.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, alongside the NAADS Secretariat, remains committed to overseeing the successful implementation of the Dairy Heifer Intervention. They continue to work closely with local stakeholders to ensure that resources are efficiently utilized and that farmers receive the necessary support and training to maximize the benefits of the program.
For many farmers in the Busoga Sub-Region, the distribution of dairy heifers represents not just a gift of livestock but a pathway to a more prosperous and sustainable future.