Prime Minister Robina Nabanjja visited Iganga District to launch a special project where members of Parliament received heifer cattle. This project, promised by the President, involved giving 10 heifers to each member of Parliament, totaling 500 heifers and costing 1.5 billion shillings.
During the event, Nabanjja stressed the importance of the beneficiaries, chosen by their respective members of Parliament, to keep and care for the heifers. These cows should serve as examples and promote farming in their communities. She warned them not to sell the heifers but to nurture them so they can produce more cattle to share with others.
State Minister for Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Bwiino Fred Kyakulaga, advised the beneficiaries to feed the heifers well to prevent them from dying. He also emphasized the need to use authorized veterinary doctors when the cows need treatment. Additionally, he encouraged the planting of grass and building of kraals to maintain good hygiene for the cattle.
Members of Parliament from the Busoga region, including Hon. Kauma Sauda, Peter Mugema Panadol, Muwuma Milton Kalulu, Idd Isabirye, Hon. Kayanga Barodha, Nakato Annet Mary, and Mariam Naigaga, expressed their gratitude to President Museveni for honoring their request at the Kyankwanzi Political Center. They initially requested 100 cows each but were thankful for the 10 they received and hoped to get the remaining balance in the future.
They urged those who didn’t receive heifers to be patient, as more government programs would come to their communities.
The LC5 Chairmen of Busoga, led by Ezra Gabula, thanked the President and Prime Minister Nabanjja for fulfilling the NRM manifesto. He also requested the completion of other pledges, such as the improvement of Iganga-Luuka, Iganga-Bugade, and Nakigo-Bugweri roads to ensure better transport systems in the district.
Hajji Walubi Abubakali, the NRM Chairman of Iganga, along with other district colleagues, praised the party for its good work. However, he also highlighted the need for improvements in healthcare, education, and transport to maintain the NRM manifesto’s promises.
LC1 Chairman Luyinda Hassan called upon the President to empower local chairmen with cows to help educate others and improve farming practices. He emphasized that without support, they might lose the motivation to teach and share their knowledge.
Several beneficiaries expressed their happiness and commitment to promoting agriculture. Seka Waiswa Muhammad Ngobi of Busei village promised to bring good results from the heifers they received.