In an effort to promote food security and combat child malnutrition, Save the Children distributed a total of 1,729 goats to vulnerable women across nine parishes in Rupa, Lotisan, and Tapac sub-counties in Moroto District. This initiative is part of Phase Two of the Karamoja Goats Project, supported by Save the Children Korea.
The project primarily targets pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and mothers with children under the age of five in the parishes of Tapac, Rupa, Loyaraboth, Mogoth, Kodonyo, Kosiroi, Katikekile, Pupu, and Loo-Arengak.
This phase aims to extend support to beneficiaries who were not reached in the first phase. To ensure sustainability, 189 care groups have been formed, each comprising 15–20 members. Within these groups, 7-8 primary beneficiaries receive a goat, which is later passed on to a secondary beneficiary once it gives birth.
John Mateso- the Project Manager mentioned that the project prioritized the selection of gala goats because of their high milk production, which plays a crucial role in reducing malnutrition among children under five. Dr. Nathan Owili Komakech, Program Officer for Livestock, reported that 237 goats were distributed on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, in Tapac and Loyaraboth. An additional 431 goats were distributed on Wednesday, January 19, 2025, in Kodonyo, Kaleuro, and Kosiroi.
Dr. Komakech ensured that the goats were vaccinated, treated and that community health workers were well equipped to provide veterinary services to the local communities He also highlighted the importance of involving men in the project, as their participation enhances maternal and child nutrition efforts within households.
Among the recipients was 39-year-old Lokiru Magdalene, a mother from Namanang village in Koleuro who not only expressed her gratitude but also committed to take good care of her goat and use the milk to improve her children’s nutrition. The Karamoja Goats Project, which commenced in March 2021, extends beyond goat distribution. It also involves providing seeds and seedlings to improve access to nutritious and safe food, ultimately addressing food insecurity in the region.
