By KT Reporter
The Pwodi Ebot community in Kaberemaido District has donated 578 hectares of land to the Kumam Cultural Heritage, aimed at fostering development and preserving cultural identity. The land will host transformative projects, including a goat dairy factory, a sausage processing plant, and other livestock value chains, designed to improve livelihoods for the Kumam people. The initiative is a partnership between Kumam Cultural Heritage and the Ateker International Development Organization (AIDO).
According to Mzee Ekwamu Nelson, a senior community member, the donated land, formerly part of the Pwodi Ebot cattle ranch, spans five villages. He noted that the donation marks a new chapter in the ranch’s history, which dates back to 1967 when it was founded by five members, each contributing five cows and a subscription fee of two shillings. Membership has since grown to 32, reflecting strong communal commitment to progress.
Ekwamu emphasized the community’s continued ownership of the land while welcoming Kumam Cultural Heritage as a timely opportunity to spur development and create jobs for unemployed youth. Patrick Edyelu, a community member, highlighted plans to introduce high-breed goats to improve the quality of local livestock and boost market prices. He stressed the community’s commitment to collaborating with the cultural heritage to ensure the initiatives enhance the lives of the Kumam people.
Simon Eyolu, LC1 chairperson of Omor Village in Ojak Parish, said the land transfer is a crucial step toward generating employment. He added that the underutilized land will now host projects expected to improve youth livelihoods. Peter Ekilu, Deputy Premier at Kumam Cultural Heritage, shared plans for the dairy goat project, noting, “This project will help us get high-breed goats, which fetch better prices compared to the local ones we currently rear.”
Jessica Ataii, project manager at AIDO, confirmed that preparations are underway, with the project expected to commence by January 2026. The site will be fully equipped with goats, milking machines, and sausage-making equipment. The initiative is anticipated to generate employment and enhance animal husbandry practices in the area.
His Royal Highness Raphael Otaya expressed gratitude to the Pwodi Ebot cattle ranch members for their commitment to development in Kaberemaido District, which he described as “the heart of the Kumam.” He urged the community to protect and secure the equipment that will be introduced.
Otaya revealed that securing the project involved extensive negotiations, including international discussions in London. He called on all Kumam people to unite, support the project, and await the official launch. He also assured the community that they would receive a share of the project’s benefits and be given priority for employment.
The new local corporation will have 49% ownership by foreign investors, 30% by Kumam Cultural Heritage, and 21% by AIDO Network International. Notably, the Okile Ranch land has remained idle since 1987, following the loss of livestock to Karimojong raids in Teso. These initiatives aim to revitalize the land for the benefit of the community and the Kumam people.
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