Akena expands dip tank restoration to Acholi Sub-region
By Patrick Okino
Jimmy Akena, the President of the Uganda People’s Congress and Member of Parliament for Lira City East, has extended his initiative to rehabilitate dip tanks to help cattle farmers in the Acholi sub-region combat tick-borne diseases.
Following the successful restoration of two dip tanks in Lango sub-region, Akena, through the Jimmy Akena Foundation, launched a refurbished facility at Kelpol village, Mucwini East Sub County, in Kitgum district. The dip tanks already worked on includes Akokoro in Apac and Oyere (Alebtong) in Lango.
Cattle farmers gathered in large numbers at the facility, expressing their gratitude for the restoration.
Many noted that the dip tank would significantly reduce the cost of managing ticks, a persistent issue for livestock farmers.
Akech Alice Okee, a local farmer, shared that she had been spending about UGX 40,000 per month on acaricides, amounting to UGX 480,000 annually. However, she faced financial difficulties and had lost several animals to tick-related diseases. The restoration of the dip tank is expected to improve animal health, boost milk production, and ease the financial burden on farmers.
Julius Omony, the LC1 of Kelpolo, noted that many farmers in the area had suffered losses due to tick infestation.
He mentioned that some farmers could not afford pesticides regularly and had to wait for the harvest to sell and purchase medicine, leaving their animals vulnerable in the meantime. Poor farmers in the region typically spend up to UGX 150,000 annually on treatment.
Another farmer, Geoffrey Kilema, highlighted the challenge of managing ticks due to financial constraints, explaining that many farmers could only afford small amounts of pesticide at a time, leaving animals exposed to tick re-infestations.
Odong Robert, the LC3 chairperson of Mucwini East, expressed gratitude for the project and stated that the local government would decide on a small fee for farmers to ensure the facility’s sustainability and generate revenue.
Akena explained that the restoration of the dip tanks was part of a broader strategy to help farmers fight tick-borne diseases, which are a major hindrance to Uganda’s beef export ambitions.
He projected that Uganda would soon see an increase in cargo planes transporting beef to European and Far Eastern markets. For Uganda to compete in these markets, Akena emphasized the importance of disease-free livestock.
He said Jimmy Akena Foundation is committed to preparing the region for the day when Uganda’s beef will be certified and ready for international export, ensuring it meets the health standards necessary for global markets.
Couragious Oola, the district communication officer, said commended the Foundation for the initiative saying it will help combat the infestion by the ticks and improvment of the cattle health, adding value to the animal.
“Secondly it is importance to note that as Kitgum district local government it is the only operational dip,” he said adding that he was grateful for the initiative and appeal to the community members to utilize the facility well to dip their animal regularly to control the ticks,” he noted.
