Otuke District rolls out 33,976 free hand hoes to farmers

3 July 2026, 11:46 am

By Hillary Opio Omara

OTUKE – Otuke District Local Government has begun distributing 33,976 government hand hoes supplied by the Government of Uganda to boost agricultural production and improve household livelihoods.

Bonny Ocen, the District Agricultural Officer, said during the launch at Otuke Town Council on Thursday, 2 July 2026, that the hoes are being distributed free of charge to registered beneficiaries.

“The distribution is strictly based on the 2024 Uganda Population Census. Only those whose names appear in the official records are eligible to receive the hand hoes,” Ocen said.

David Odung, the Otuke Town Clerk, represented by the Olec Ward Town Agent, said teams have been deployed to Olec Ward, Oloi, Bar-Odugu, Odep Ward and other parts of the town council to ensure the exercise is fair and transparent.

He disclosed that Otuke Town Council received 2,045 hand hoes, all of which have been distributed to the intended beneficiaries.

Isaac Opio Opeo, the Assistant Resident District Commissioner (ARDC) of Otuke, commended government for the agricultural support.

“This initiative will enhance food production and improve household incomes across the district,” he said.

He further cautioned beneficiaries: “Use the hand hoes for farming rather than selling or misusing them. The government will not tolerate the diversion of agricultural inputs.”

Esther Okello and Justine Ananga from Te-Ogini Cell in Otuke Town Council said the hoes will ease farm work.

“The hand hoes will reduce the burden of farm work and help increase production, improving our families’ livelihoods,” they said.