Livestock farmers in Kitgum District are set to benefit from renewed efforts to control animal diseases after the Jimmy Akena Foundation announced plans to rehabilitate a long-abandoned cattle dip in the area.
The project will focus on revamping the cattle dip located in Ogwapoke Village, Pobech Parish, Mucwini East Sub-county — a facility that has remained non-functional for more than four decades.
Jimmy Akena, President of the Uganda People's Congress (UPC), said the intervention is aimed at strengthening livestock health and improving farmers’ productivity by reducing the prevalence of tick-borne diseases, which continue to affect cattle in the region.
“Restoring this cattle dip will help farmers control ticks and other livestock diseases that have been causing significant losses. Healthy animals mean better incomes and improved livelihoods for households,” Akena said.
The cattle dip was originally established during the administration of former President Milton Obote but ceased operations following political instability after 1972.
Efforts to revive livestock infrastructure in the area were further disrupted by the Lord's Resistance Army insurgency in the early 2000s.
According to Akena, the Foundation has already secured funding to support the rehabilitation works.
The project will include restoration of key infrastructure, including a nearby reservoir estimated to hold about 1.5 million cubic meters, which is expected to support the facility’s operations.
He added that the Ogwapoke project is part of a broader plan to rehabilitate up to 80 cattle dips across regions expected to benefit from livestock compensation programmes, particularly in Acholi, Lango and Teso.
“Our goal is to rebuild critical livestock infrastructure in post-conflict areas so that communities can rebuild their herds and strengthen their economic recovery,” he explained.
District officials have welcomed the initiative, describing it as timely and necessary for improving animal health services.
Kitgum District Acting Veterinary Officer Francis Omona said the restored facility will enhance disease control through regular and proper spraying of animals.
“Ticks remain one of the biggest challenges for livestock farmers. A functional cattle dip will make it easier to control tick-borne diseases and reduce the cost burden on farmers,” Omona noted.
He added that while the Jimmy Akena Foundation will provide initial financial support for the rehabilitation, the district local government will take over the management and long-term maintenance of the facility to ensure sustainability.
Local leaders believe the project will play a key role in rebuilding the livestock sector, which remains a major source of income and food security for many households in the district.
The rehabilitation is also expected to contribute to broader recovery efforts in communities still rebuilding their livelihoods after years of conflict and instability.
