40 BILLION SHILLINGS, DEAD GOATS: The Karamoja Project That Betrayed Communities скачать в хорошем качестве

40 BILLION SHILLINGS, DEAD GOATS: The Karamoja Project That Betrayed Communities

In 2021, the Government of Uganda launched the Karamoja Goat Initiative, a program meant to heal decades of conflict, poverty, and cattle rustling in one of the country’s most vulnerable regions. Backed by a supplementary parliamentary budget of nearly UGX 40 billion, the initiative promised goats and iron sheets to communities across Karamoja—especially former cattle rustlers (Karachunas) who had voluntarily disarmed. Each beneficiary was supposed to receive 16 goats to restore livelihoods, dignity, and trust in government. But in Abim District, that promise fell apart. Instead of quality breeding goats, many communities received sick, weak, or dying animals. Out of the 18,000 goats allocated to Abim, records and testimonies show that only about 4,100 were delivered, and many arrived without veterinary clearance. Some sub-counties received nothing at all. Investigations revealed procurement failures, subcontracting to middlemen, inflated prices, lack of supervision, and political interference. Goats promised to disarmed Karachunas were allegedly diverted to politically connected individuals. Veterinary laws were ignored, leading to disease outbreaks that wiped out both distributed goats and existing livestock. Despite official reports to the Office of the Prime Minister claiming full delivery, the reality on the ground told a different story. By 2023, the Inspectorate of Government began investigations, uncovering massive financial losses. Parliamentary committees later estimated losses exceeding UGX 19 billion, yet many reports remain undebated as of early 2026. For the people of Abim and Karamoja, the Goat Initiative has become a symbol of broken trust, failed accountability, and governance gone wrong. Compensation was promised, but never delivered. This investigation documents what happened, who was affected, and why communities are still waiting—not just for goats, but for justice. Story compiled by: Godfred Eyoku, Uganda Radio Network – Karamoja Written by: Isaac Okeng, Abim-based Journalist & Podcaster supported by: African Centre for Media Excellence (ACME)