By KT Reporter
A group of youth from Kamdini Town Council, Oyam District, who had been living in the ghettos for over ten years without stable jobs, are now rejoicing after being empowered through poultry farming. The 70 former ghetto youth, comprising both men and women aged 15 to 36, had previously lived in hardship—some surviving as casual laborers, gamblers, street children, and sex workers. In response to their plea for empowerment, Kamdini Town Council leaders gathered them last year to explore sustainable livelihood solutions.
The LC III Chairperson of Kamdini Town Council, who also chairs the security team, Sam Paul Ogwanga, along with Oyam District Woman MP Santa Alum, took the initiative to support these youth. In April last year, they donated 500 broiler chickens and helped them open a SACCO account. By December 23, the youth had sold 150 chickens, generating over 3 million shillings, which they reinvested into their SACCO.
Samuel Otim, a 25-year-old former casual laborer, shared that he had struggled for ten years without a stable income. However, after being introduced to poultry farming, he experienced significant changes in his life. Their SACCO has now grown to 7 million shillings, with well-wishers contributing additional funds. Members can borrow money to boost their private enterprises.
Otim himself has expanded his business, using a SACCO loan to start his poultry farm with 70 broiler chickens. His farm generates between 150,000 to 200,000 shillings monthly, enabling him to support his family. Martin Ojok, Chairperson of the Kamdini Youth Poultry Farm Enterprises, encouraged more youth to join the initiative, emphasizing that poultry farming has been more financially rewarding than their previous means of survival.
LC III Chairperson Sam Paul Ogwanga acknowledged the growing concern of crime in Kamdini Town Council and emphasized the need for further empowerment programs to support youth living on the streets. He noted that many young people still pose a security threat due to a lack of livelihood opportunities.
According to police reports, Kamdini Town Council records between 5 to 10 cases of night-time ambushes and 2 to 7 robbery cases weekly, primarily involving youth aged 18 to 30. Oyam District Police Commander Job Mutegeki confirmed that Kamdini Town Council has the highest crime rate compared to other sub-counties and town councils in the district. He assured that law enforcement is intensifying efforts to arrest criminal gangs, revealing that seven suspects have already been apprehended this year over various offenses-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
