70 karacunas and women’s saccos visit Kisombwa ranching scheme

6 December 2024, 8:58 pm

By Kato Joseph

Kisombwa

A delegation of 70 Karacunas (a youth group) and representatives from women’s SACCOs in the Karamoja sub-region visited the Kisombwa Ranching Scheme today for an exposure and learning visit on modernised farming practices.

The Kisombwa Ranching Scheme, located in Busooba village, Kayebe sub county, Mubende district, is owned by Matia Kasaija, the Minister of Finance and Member of Parliament for Buyanja county in Kibaale district.

The delegation, led by Rev Fr Raphael Lobeezei from Kotido Catholic Parish, who coordinates the Karacunas, was introduced to various enterprises at the scheme. These included bull fattening, cattle management, goat management, pasture management, silage production, and hay making, among others.

Addressing the delegation, Minister Kasaija shared that he established the farm in 1975 with 40 head of cattle, which has since grown to over 2,000. He urged the Karacunas to settle in one place, refrain from violence and cattle rustling, and instead embrace peace in the region. He also encouraged them to prioritise educating their children as a pathway to socio-economic transformation.

Minister Kasaija assured them that the government is making every effort to address socio-cultural practices in the Karamoja region and to ensure the availability of water for livestock and crop production.

In his remarks, Emmanuel Kiiza Aliba, the Chairperson of the Board of the Microfinance Support Centre, stated that Minister Kasaija had tasked him with bringing the Karacunas to his farm for a study visit. He informed the Minister that the people of Karamoja are willing to stop the violence and livestock theft and are requesting government support to help them financially.

Fr Raphael thanked Minister Kasaija for inviting them, noting that the Karacunas had decided to surrender their guns and are now focusing on joining the monetary economy. He urged the government to promote mindset change, encourage the practice of modern farming, and support SACCOs, as they have reformed.

Led by Joseph Lobot Nangole, the Amudat district LC5 Chairperson, the delegation noted that the visit had been fruitful. He emphasised that the Karamoja region is characterised by unnecessary conflicts, the movement of pastoralists in search of pasture, and cattle rustling. He added that the visit would help them settle in one place, enabling them to focus on their development.

The delighted Karacunas, in their message of appreciation, bestowed upon Minister Kasaija the title “Lokwatau,” meaning a man of a pure heart.