The Ugandan government, acting through the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, has distributed 19,833 hand hoes to households in Karenga District. According to Nile Post, the initiative aims to boost agricultural production, improve household incomes, and address food insecurity in the region. The tools, valued at approximately SHS 297,495,000, were delivered to the district headquarters prior to the distribution exercise, with each household expected to receive one unit.
The distribution was officially launched in Kapedo Sub-county by Akello Rose Lilly, the Minister of Ethics and Integrity and the Karenga District Woman MP. Nile Post reported that the programme will extend to six additional sub-counties and three town councils, covering a total of seven sub-counties and three town councils. During the launch, Lilly urged beneficiaries to use the tools to increase productivity and fight poverty, while also calling on local leaders to support the initiative.
Karenga Resident District Commissioner Taban Peter Data cautioned local officials against favouritism, instructing them to ensure hoes reach eligible households within designated communities. He warned beneficiaries against selling the tools or exchanging them for alcohol, advising them to use the hoes during the planting season and to embrace mixed farming by cultivating a variety of crops. Data also encouraged households to diversify their food sources rather than relying on a single crop.
Baatom Ben Koryang, the Dodoth West MP, stated that the initiative would help households increase food production and improve incomes, contributing to broader government efforts to reduce poverty. Gen. Michael Walaka Hyeroba, Commander of the UPDF 3 Infantry Division, described the distribution as part of a strategy to economically empower communities while strengthening security in the Karamoja sub-region. He emphasized the link between food security and national stability, noting that sustainable peace requires reliable food and income sources.
Hyeroba urged residents to use the tools productively, educate their children, and shift from cattle rustling to productive farming. He stated, "True peace comes when every household has food on the table." The distribution is expected to support household farming activities, strengthen food production, and improve livelihoods across Karenga District, according to Nile Post.