KITGUM, UGANDA: Farmers in Mucwini East Sub-county have welcomed the restoration of a long-defunct cattle dip by Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) President Jimmy Akena, describing it as a major boost in the fight against livestock diseases and rising farm costs.
The facility, located in Kel Polo Village, Pubech Parish, was officially handed over to the community on Wednesday, with farmers turning up in large numbers to have their cattle dipped free of charge.
For many livestock keepers, the revived cattle dip offers immediate financial relief.
“I have been spending about Shs35,000 every two weeks on spraying my cattle,” said Job Kilama, a farmer from Likol A Village. “That is very expensive. This cattle dip will reduce my costs and save my animals from ticks and diseases.”
Other farmers said the intervention could significantly improve livestock health and productivity.
“Ticks have been disturbing us for years. The drugs are expensive and not always effective. With this dip, we feel supported,” said Akello Betty.
Ocen Peter noted that the communal facility will also strengthen cooperation among farmers. “This is something we can manage together. If we take care of it, it will serve us for many years,” he said.
Local leaders described the restoration as timely, especially as diseases such as Nagana and Foot-and-Mouth Disease continue to threaten livelihoods.
Mucwini East LCIII Chairperson Richard Odong Herbert said plans are underway to ensure sustainability of the facility.
“We are going to agree on a small user fee that everyone can afford to maintain the cattle dip so it does not collapse again,” he said.
He added that improved livestock health will directly boost household incomes and local economic activity. “When cattle are healthy, farmers earn more, and that benefits the entire community,” Odong said.
Speaking at the handover, Akena said the initiative is part of a broader effort to revive livestock infrastructure across Northern Uganda.
“These cattle dips were built in the 1970s and played a key role in controlling livestock diseases. Many broke down, and we are now restoring them to support our farmers again,” he said.
He noted that improving livestock health could position Northern Uganda to access international markets.
“If we can control diseases and improve the quality of our cattle, we can export beef to international markets, including China. This is about transforming livelihoods,” Akena said.
The Mucwini facility becomes the second cattle dip restored under the Jimmy Akena Foundation, following a similar project in Apac District.
For farmers like Aber Florence, the impact is already evident. “We used to lose animals or spend too much on treatment. Now we have a solution near us. This is a big relief,” she said.
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