In a continued push to combat household poverty, Vice President Maj. (Retired) Jessica Alupo distributed 10,000 kroiler chickens to women in Katakwi District on Sunday, October 19, 2025. The initiative encourages NRM structures to guide communities on maximizing government programs designed to improve livelihoods.
Among the beneficiaries were about 1,000 wives of NRM registrars at village and parish levels, as well as wives of Parish Internal Security Officers (PISOs) and Gombolola Internal Security Officers (GISOs), with each woman receiving 10 chickens. In Toroma County, 326 women received 3,260 chickens, while 441 women in Ngariam County were given 4,410 chickens. In Usuk County, 233 women received 2,330 chickens.
The program builds on similar efforts in 2023 when VP Alupo distributed chickens to wives of clergy members, including lay readers, pastors, catechists, and Muslim leaders, with each receiving five chickens. Beneficiaries have shared success stories, saying their chickens multiplied and enabled them to purchase cows, goats, and sheep. Clare Okiror, a pastor’s wife in Toroma Town Council, revealed that her initial five chickens helped her acquire nine sheep.
Alupo, also the Woman MP for Katakwi District, urged NRM leaders, including Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) and district chairpersons, to educate communities about government livelihood programs such as the Parish Development Model, Emyooga, and funds targeting women and youth. She stressed that men should collaborate with their wives to enhance household incomes.
“I would be disappointed if chickens died because the woman left home and the man didn’t care for them,” Alupo said, adding that households with chickens should also aim to keep a cow. She encouraged beneficiaries to use the chickens for business or livestock growth rather than entertainment, highlighting that government programs help families grow food for both consumption and profit.
Alupo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to restoring peace and development in areas previously affected by Karamojong warriors. NRM District Chairperson John Robert Okiror advised beneficiaries not to consume or sell the “seed” chickens intended to grow into larger livestock. Deputy RDC Vincent Xaviour Okwii noted a decline in cattle thefts, though minor thefts of chickens and goats continue.
Beneficiaries such as Simon Peter Ilaborot from Ngariam sub-county and Sarah Alupo from Dokomeri cell in Katakwi Town Council thanked the Vice President, pledging to multiply their chickens to improve household livelihoods and strengthen family economies.
