Masindi children with down syndrome receive goats to improve livelihoods
He also cautioned parents against misusing the livestock by selling or slaughtering them, a problem that has plagued similar projects in the past.
Masindi: In a bid to empower families of children with Down syndrome, 15 beneficiaries in Masindi District have each received two goats under a new livelihood project aimed at enhancing household income and supporting the children’s well-being.
The distribution, which took place on Thursday at Masindi Education Hall gardens, saw a total of 31 goats handed over to parents and guardians.
The donation was made possible by Rowan’s Down Syndrome Awareness Centre, a non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting the welfare of children with Down syndrome.
While presiding over the function, Gilbert Bigirwenkya, Executive Director of the Hoima District Union of Persons with Disabilities (HUDIP), urged parents to care for the goats and allow them to breed for sustainable benefits.
“This project is aimed at improving the livelihoods of children with Down syndrome. Kindly don’t sell these goats, let them breed,” he advised.
Mildred Katusabe, the founder of Rowan’s Down Syndrome Awareness Centre, noted that the organization, with funding from the Abilis Foundation, had procured 62 goats for the initiative. Each child will receive two female goats.
“We have so far distributed 31 goats to 15 families. The remaining 31 goats will be delivered within the next three months,” she explained.
“The goal is to help parents generate income to support their children’s education, nutrition, healthcare, and transportation to monthly appointments at Masindi Hospital.”
Speaking at the event, Vincent Businge, the Masindi District Senior Community Development Officer, encouraged parents to integrate into government economic empowerment programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga.
“This project will run for a year, but other government initiatives can help you sustain its impact. Please don’t let this opportunity go to waste,” Businge emphasized.
He also cautioned parents against misusing the livestock by selling or slaughtering them, a problem that has plagued similar projects in the past.
Milton Atugonza Isaac, Chairperson of the Masindi Council for Disability, warned of strict action against any beneficiaries who misuse the goats.
“If these goats are sold, we shall arrest you. They were donated specifically to uplift the lives of these children,” he said, urging parents to nurture and multiply the livestock for long-term benefit.
Judith Tumusiime of Buliima Village and Mildred Asiimwe of Bikonzi 2 Village expressed gratitude to the organization, affirming that the initiative would go a long way in supporting their children.
The goat-rearing project, which is set to run for one year, seeks to empower families of children with Down syndrome through sustainable agriculture and improved access to essential services.
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