The 39-billion shilling goat project that failed Abim’s vulnerable

26 January 2026, 11:06 am

By Isaac Jans Okeng

A vision of prosperity reduced to dust

In December 2021, Uganda’s Parliament approved a supplementary budget of Shs 39.948 billion with a bold vision: to bring peace and improve livelihoods in Karamoja, the northeastern sub-region long plagued by insecurity and poverty. Under this package, Shs 25 billion was allocated for the purchase of goats for distribution, Shs 8 billion was set aside for 100,000 iron sheets, and the remainder was earmarked for mobilisation and sensitisation.

The beneficiaries, primarily “Karachunas” (former cattle rustlers who had disarmed), were each promised 16 goats under this arrangement. At first glance, this was more than aid; it appeared to be a strategic intervention aimed at transforming lives.

Francis Lowoth, retired Commissioner of Karamoja Affairs, recalled the President’s vision: “The President wanted goats that could survive, those resistant to disease and drought, especially the Gala goats. His interest was specifically in the Gala goats. The idea was good. So we requested funds. The total request was very large. They released the first batch of 39 billion shillings.”