The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Mbale, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Thirty-seven beneficiaries under the Northern Uganda Social Action Fund (NUSAF) project in Bushiribo Sub County Bududa district have been forced to replace the animals they had sold off. Last year, the beneficiaries disposed of more than 40 heifers they received under NUSAF3.
The missing animals were distributed to farmers in Bushiribo, Bumayoka, Nalwanza, Bukalasi, Bushika, Bushiyi and Bukibokolo sub counties. The heifers were meant to boost the livelihood of the farmers and eradicate poverty. However, reports from sub county community facilitators indicated that some of the beneficiaries had sold off the animals while others had exchanged them for beef breeds without informing the responsible authorities.
As a result, the NUSAF Desk Officer, Felix Odong and Faustin Asega from the Inspectorate of Government swung into action and started hunting for the implicated beneficiaries. They compelled them to replace the animals they sold off or else face legal actions.
According to NUSAF guidelines, the beneficiaries receive an in-calf heifer and are expected to pass on a calf to the next beneficiary within their respective group.
In case of death of the animal, the beneficiary is expected to notify the relevant authorities with evidence. Alice Namono 78, who was supposed to receive an animal from the first beneficiary, applauded the authorities for taking action, saying that when she tried to ask for her animal from the first beneficiary whom she preferred not to name, she was asked to shut up since she did not contribute anything to get it.
Milton Kamoti Wasunguyi, the Bududa District LC V chairperson has advised the beneficiaries to be kind-hearted and pass the animals to the next beneficiaries since the animals came from government to help all of them. George William Wopuwa, the Bududa Resident District Commissioner hailed the production department for taking action against the farmers who sold off the animals, saying those are the people frustrating development in communities.
****
URN
