Alebtong cattle farmers excited over restoration of dip tank

By Patrick Okino

At Oyere Village in Omoro Sub-county, Alebtong District, a cattle dip tank constructed in 1972 has been restored after decades of inactivity, bringing renewed hope to cattle farmers battling ticks and related diseases.

The rehabilitation was carried out by the Jimmy Akena Foundation, as part of a wider initiative to revive livestock infrastructure in northern and eastern Uganda.

The Oyere dip tank is among 80 facilities earmarked for rehabilitation across the Lango, Teso and Acholi sub-regions to help farmers control tick infestations and improve cattle health.

Morish Okello, a resident of Oyere Village who owns 13 cattle, said tick infestation, disease and high treatment costs have long hindered cattle farming in the area.

“We have suffered greatly from ticks, but now we are seeing hope and relief,” Okello said.

So far, the foundation has rehabilitated two dip tanks, one in Akokoro Town Council, Apac District, and another in Oyere, Omoro Sub-county.

According to Okello, the restored dip tank will significantly reduce the cost of treating animals while improving the quality and value of cattle.

“Good quality animals fetch better prices and also help us in cultivation,” he noted.

Another resident, Okello Twontoo, said although he currently does not own cattle, the restoration has encouraged him to acquire two bulls to support his farming activities.

He commended the Jimmy Akena Foundation for restoring hope among cattle farmers but urged that communities be trained to properly maintain the facility for future generations.

The LC3 Chairperson of Omoro Sub-county, Isaac Apenyo, said the local council plans to allocate part of its budget toward maintaining the dip tank to ensure sustainability.

He added that the rehabilitation comes at a crucial time when the government is implementing restocking programs and more farmers are venturing into cattle rearing.

According to sub-county records, Apenyo noted that farmers spend a minimum of Shs3,000 per animal per week on tick treatment.

“This dip tank will help our farmers reduce treatment costs and produce quality animals,” he said.

Speaking at the site, Jimmy Akena said the facility is intended to help communities better care for their animals, cautioning farmers to properly handle the chemicals used in the dipping process.

He explained that water in the dip tank can be used for up to a year and replenished when levels drop, in collaboration with the district veterinary department.

“Work with the district veterinary authorities to maintain the facility and ensure chemicals are available,” Akena said.

He added that dip tanks are a cost-effective method that brings communities together and has historically been successful in controlling ticks and improving livestock breeds.

“This is part of our effort to renew livelihoods and restore cattle populations in northern Uganda,” he said.

Akena further declared a “war on ticks,” stating that his mission is to eliminate tick infestations in Lango, Acholi and Teso, regions heavily affected by livestock losses.

“We are starting by restoring existing dip tanks, recharging them and mobilising communities to resume dipping their animals,” he said.

Sustainability Measures

Ngozi Wataba, spokesperson for the Jimmy Akena Foundation, said sustainability is a key focus of the project.

She explained that communities will be required to cost-share, receive training on proper use of the facilities, and form management committees to oversee operations.

“In cattle markets, about 100 cows are traded weekly. Managing such numbers requires planning, and with proper organisation, communities can sustain these facilities,” Wataba said.