Kabale Distributes 102 Heifers to Wetland Evacuees After Supply Delays

Kabale District is finally distributing 102 heifers to households that relocated from wetlands as part of a Green Climate Fund (GCF) initiative. The animals, initially delayed by the supplier Kangwa Godwin Ltd, are crucial for providing alternative livelihoods to these communities.

During the exercise, 27 heifers were handed over in Rwenkorongo Village, Kahungye Sub-county, to beneficiaries who had not received them during the first phase of the program. Resident District Commissioner Maj Godfrey Katamba stated that this distribution aims to resolve concerns from households awaiting the promised support.

“The remaining 75 heifers are expected to be delivered before the end of October to beneficiaries in Kamuganguzi, Kyanamira and Maziba sub-counties,” Katamba confirmed, noting the controversy and uncertainty the delays had caused.

Kabale District Chairperson Denis Nzeirwe urged recipients to view the heifers as a long-term investment for sustainable income, cautioning against selling or slaughtering them. “Proper management and care will enable the households to establish sustainable sources of income and improve their living conditions,” he advised.

The heifers are designated for residents who voluntarily left wetlands and did not receive livelihood compensation in 2023, despite being verified as eligible. Those who registered for compensation in 2024 are still being considered.

Officials from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Ministry of Local Government supervised the distribution. This effort is part of the GCF-funded project, “Building Resilient Communities, Wetland Ecosystems and Associated Catchments in Uganda,” which aims to restore degraded wetlands while promoting sustainable livelihood options for affected households through items worth Shs1.481 billion distributed to 905 households.

Source: Nile Post