BY OBED KITHENDE
Livestock farmers in Bukonzo County East, Kasese District have reported the loss of animals during the current dry spell.
Mrs. Janet Katusabe, a cattle keeper from Nyakatonzi Sub-county yesterday told the Kasese District Woman Member of Parliament, Hon. Sarah Ithungu Masereka Baleke during an event in which the legislator was delivering shillings 10 million to the members of Bukonzo East Coordinators’ SACCO at Kaberere Trading Centre in Kyondo Sub-county that the cows in her area origin were dying.
Although Katusabe did not specify the number of animals lost, she said cattle could only survive if the area is supported to construct water canals to supply them with water.
A water canal is a human-made, artificial channel built across land to carry water or allow boats and ships to pass through.
In a separate development, Katusabe called for the elevation of Nyakatonzi Health Centre to handle deliveries for the expectant mothers.
Her request was supported by Ms. Teddy Ithungu Banyomire, a resident of Kyarumba Town Council, who raised concerns over the need to improve both educational and health systems in the constituency in an attempt to extend services nearer to the people.
Meanwhile, Mr. Godfrey Mawa Mburara, the NRM Chairperson for Munkunyu Sub-County, requested the Office of the Woman Member of Parliament to lobby for agricultural inputs such as pesticides to support coffee, cocoa and banana farmers who he said are currently battling ith the prevalence of pests.
Mr. Mburara said that once a farmer’s garden is attacked by pests, production is greatly affected.
In her response, Hon. Sarah Ithungu Masereka Baleke said that through her income enhancement program, she has started supporting her coordinators in their already established SACCOs so that they start some income – generating projects.
She subsequently donated shillings 10 million to the members of Bukonzo East Coordinators’ SACCO who supported her during her political campaigns.
ENDS