President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has commended the people of Karamoja for abandoning cattle rustling and embracing peace, which he says is fostering development and transforming lives in the region. Speaking in Nakapiripirit District during his assessment tour of the Parish Development Model (PDM), the President highlighted the positive changes brought by peace and government-led initiatives to eradicate poverty.
“All this progress is possible because of peace. You were misled to believe that stealing could make you rich, but now you’ve understood the message of peace,” Museveni said on December 3, 2024, after visiting Lokong Emmanuel Losike, a piggery farmer in Kakomokwee Village, Nakapiripirit.
The PDM aims to transition households from subsistence farming into the money economy. Museveni praised the program's impact, noting that with peace in Karamoja, the region can fully utilize opportunities in livestock farming and agriculture. “You are waking up to the right strategy of organized farming, unlike the past where stealing cattle exposed you to risks such as diseases,” he said.
Lokong, a beneficiary of the PDM, used a one-million-shilling grant to establish a piggery enterprise, which has grown from five piglets to 22 pigs within a year. He described the initiative as a life-changing opportunity, especially for youth. “The project encourages the youth to abandon cattle raids and focus on sustainable farming,” he said.
Highlighting the broader PDM framework, Museveni explained how the program channels funds directly to parishes, benefiting hundreds of households annually. “In five years, each parish will have 500 million shillings and additional recycled funds to support 800 families,” he said.
According to Nakapiripirit District Veterinary Officer Simon Peter Arionga, livestock farming, including piggery, is increasingly profitable in Karamoja. He noted that the region’s pork market attracts traders from Kampala, Mbale, and South Sudan. “Emmanuel is a visionary farmer destined for success. His efforts show that piggery can transform livelihoods,” Arionga said.
Other residents echoed the benefits of pig farming, noting it as a safer and faster-growing venture compared to cattle rearing, which is prone to theft. “Pigs are less likely to be stolen, and they multiply faster, providing quick cash flow,” said Loyok Anna Ruth, a resident of Kakomokwee Village.
The President also visited other successful farmers in Abim and Amudat districts, emphasizing the importance of wealth creation through organized farming. He reiterated his four-acre farming model as a pathway to prosperity, combining high-value crops, food crops, fruits, and livestock.
As Museveni continues his tour to assess PDM's progress, he urged communities to maintain peace and fully embrace the program for sustained development and improved livelihoods.
