By Patrick Okidi
OBONGI: Shs300m Goat Project to Kickstart Milk Processing.
Obongi District is set to become a hub for dairy production, with plans to manufacture powdered milk, yoghurt, and cheese following the launch of a multi-million shilling goat project.
The ambitious venture was revealed by the Country Director of ChildFund Uganda, Mr. Titus Tumusiime, during the commissioning of a Shs300m goat-rearing initiative in Morobi Parish, Itula Sub-county.
The project, commissioned by the Obongi Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Samuel Mpimbaza Hashaka, and the Assistant RDC, Umuhoza Habiba Furaha, aims to transform the livelihoods of both refugees and host communities.
Value Addition
Mr. Tumusiime showcased a milk processing plant currently being installed at the site. The farm started with 56 goats—comprising 48 females and eight males—which are a cross-breed of high-yielding hybrids and local varieties.
“Initially, we expect the goats to produce about 100 litres of milk per day. This milk will be processed into high-value yoghurt, cheese, and powdered milk for local consumption, the refugee community, and the wider Ugandan market,” Tumusiime explained.
The project is funded by ChildFund Uganda with support from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).
Call for Sustainability
RDC Samuel Mpimbaza Hashaka commended the Korean government and KOICA for investing in wealth-creation projects that improve nutrition and create employment. He challenged other non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to move away from “handout” relief and instead focus on sustainable development.
“I challenge other partners to follow the example of ChildFund and KOICA. We need to make our people job creators, not beggars. This project should serve as a model for modern goat farming where locals can learn and replicate these techniques to earn money,” Hashaka said.
The RDC pledged total cooperation from the district local government to ensure the success of the dairy project and other KOICA-funded initiatives, including poultry farming.
The launch was attended by various dignitaries, including the UNHCR Head of Office in Moyo, ChildFund Program Officer Mr. Francis Nabasa, and senior technical and political leaders from Obongi District.
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