Kapelebyong District Establishes UGX 29 Million Cattle Crush to Boost Livestock Production.

By Peterson Hiirya.

Kapelebyong District Local Government has commissioned a modern cattle crush worth more than UGX 29 million in Amaseniko Parish, Kapelebyong Sub-county, in a move aimed at strengthening livestock production and improving animal health services.

The facility, constructed under the Agricultural Extension Grant for the 2025/2026 financial year, is expected to enhance the delivery of veterinary services, including vaccination, spraying, disease control, and artificial insemination.

Speaking during an inspection of the facility, Acting District Production Officer William Ejiet said the investment reflects the government’s commitment to supporting farmers and improving household incomes through livestock development.

He urged residents to support government programmes and safeguard public investments.

“Whenever a government programme comes to your area, support it by providing land. Use this cattle crush to improve livestock production and create wealth in your communities,” Ejiet said.

Acting District Veterinary Officer Raymond Ekita described the establishment of the cattle crush as a historic milestone for Kapelebyong Sub-county, noting that the area had never before possessed a permanent livestock handling facility.

“We have always faced challenges during mass vaccination campaigns. Communities were forced to construct temporary cattle crushes whenever vaccination exercises were conducted. Today, we have a permanent and reliable facility that will greatly improve our work,” Ekita said.

According to Ekita, the facility will provide a safer working environment for veterinary extension workers and livestock farmers while facilitating efficient vaccination, spraying, and artificial insemination services. He added that the crush can accommodate large numbers of animals at a time, reducing congestion and improving service delivery.

Local farmers welcomed the development, describing it as a major boost to livestock production and disease control efforts in the area.

Stephen Okitoi, a resident of Otapengo Village, said the facility would play a critical role in preventing livestock diseases through regular vaccination programmes.

“We used to rely on temporary cattle crushes, which were costly and inconvenient to construct. This permanent structure is a great relief to farmers and will help us keep our animals healthy,” he said.

Another resident, Apedu Nicholas, praised the government for investing in livestock development and pledged continued participation in vaccination campaigns.

“This project shows that the government cares about its people and wants farmers to prosper. We shall continue supporting veterinary programmes for the benefit of our animals,” Nicholas said.

Kapelebyong Sub-county LCIII Chairperson Charles Oriokot said the facility would simplify livestock management and improve the quality and value of animals owned by local farmers.

He called upon residents to protect and effectively utilize the cattle crush, emphasizing that increased livestock productivity would improve household incomes and contribute to the socio-economic transformation of the community.

Livestock farming remains a key source of livelihood for many households in Kapelebyong District, with cattle playing a significant role in income generation and food security.