Pastoralists In Kasese Decry Severe Drought: Devastating Drought Causes Death Of At Least 295 Cattle in Nyakatonzi.
Pastoralists in Nyakatonzi Sub-county, Kasese District, are grappling with a devastating drought that has left hundreds of livestock dead and livelihoods in ruins. Local authorities and farmers report that the prolonged dry spell, which began in January, triggered a severe feed and water crisis, leading to the death of at least 295 cattle.
Christopher Kanonia Murwiga, a prominent pastoralist in the area, shared his heartbreak after losing over 50 heads of cattle to starvation. He noted that his daily milk production has plummeted from six Jerry cans to just one, a blow that has crippled his household income.
According to Muyambi Kenneth, the Chairperson of the Muhumuza Nyakatonzi Cattle Keepers Cooperative Society, the area has been parched since the beginning of the year, with heavy sunshine scorching the earth and leaving little for the animals to graze on.
Ham Natuhwera, the District Councilor for Nyakatonzi, highlighted that the functionality of the three valley dams that were previously constructed in the area is severely lacking and urged the government to rejuvenate these structures to provide a sustainable water source.
In a desperate bid for survival, Ham has also petitioned the government to negotiate with the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). He is seeking temporary permission at least for one month to graze his herds within the neighboring Queen Elizabeth National Park, where there is currently an abundance of unused grass.
Responding to the outcry, Rukara Julius, District Agricultural Officer, assured the community that help is on the way. He revealed that the government is currently constructing a major valley dam at River Nyamugasane to provide relief to the area.
In order to solve future crises, Rukara advised cattle keepers in Nyakatonzi to adapt new methods of grazing, such as zero grazing, to avoid future losses.
Despite these promises of long-term infrastructure, the pastoralists of Nyakatonzi maintain that they need immediate assistance. With the death toll rising daily, the community is pleading for quick support to save their remaining herds before the entire local economy collapses under the weight of the drought.
