By Abraham Ekwaru, Communication Officer Soroti

SOROTI — Mr Akora Moses of Ajera 1 in Obule Parish has vowed to rebuild his family’s livestock wealth and improve his children’s education after receiving Shs5 million under the government restocking programme.

Akora said he invested the money in livestock, purchasing two bulls, one cow and one sheep. One bull cost Shs2.15 million, while the second cost Shs900,000. He bought the cow at Shs1.5 million and a sheep at Shs210,000.

The investment has already begun to grow, with the sheep producing two lambs.

For Akora, the support is particularly significant because of the livestock losses his family suffered during cattle raids. He recalled that in 1987, 14 of his cattle were taken by Karamojong raiders, leaving him with little livestock wealth to rebuild from.

He said that since then, he had not benefited from a government programme apart from receiving mosquito nets.

“In 1987, 14 of my cows were taken by the Karamojong. Since then, I have never benefited from a government programme except nets,” Akora said.

He thanked President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for initiating the restocking programme, saying the intervention had given him an opportunity to recover from the losses he suffered decades ago.

Akora also expressed appreciation to the political and technical leadership for supporting the implementation of the programme.

He said the livestock would not only improve his household’s economic position but also help him meet his family responsibilities, particularly educating his children.

Two of his children are still in school—one in Senior Five and another in Primary Four.

Akora said financial difficulties had prevented some of his older children from completing their education, but he was determined to ensure that the two remaining children stay in school.

“Some of my children did not complete school mainly because of financial problems. But with this government support, I will do my best to educate these two,” he said.

Looking beyond his immediate family, Akora said he intends to preserve the livestock as a long-term family asset. He said he would ensure that the animals receive regular vaccinations and are properly protected from theft and other risks.

He also warned against greed, saying the animals should be allowed to multiply rather than being sold unnecessarily.

“I will make sure these animals multiply so that even when I die, my grandchildren will find something,” he said.

To reduce feeding costs and improve the animals’ nutrition, Akora plans to plant Elablab, a forage crop suitable for livestock feeding.

He, however, appealed to the government to strengthen security in the area, particularly against possible cattle raids from Karamojong communities, given his previous experience.

He also called for continued government support for households that have not yet benefited from the restocking programme, saying such assistance could enable more families to rebuild their livelihoods.

For Akora, the Shs5 million is therefore more than immediate financial assistance. It represents an opportunity to rebuild a livestock-based livelihood, keep his remaining children in school and create an asset that he hopes will benefit his grandchildren.

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