Otuke District has commenced the distribution of 33,976 hand hoes supplied by the Government of Uganda under the leadership of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, in a move aimed at boosting agricultural production and improving household livelihoods.
Speaking during the distribution exercise at Otuke Town Council on Thursday, July 2, 2026, the District Agricultural Officer, Bonny Ocen, said the hand hoes are being distributed free of charge to registered beneficiaries across the district.
Ocen said the distribution is strictly based on the 2024 Uganda Population Census, warning that only those whose names appear in the official records are eligible to receive the hand hoes.
Speaking on behalf of the Otuke Town Clerk, David Odung, who is a Town Agent of Olec Ward, said distribution teams have been deployed to Olec Ward, Oloi, Bar-Odugu, Odep Ward, and other parts of the town council to ensure the exercise is conducted fairly and transparently.
He disclosed that Otuke Town Council received 2,045 hand hoes, all of which were distributed to the intended beneficiaries.
The Assistant Resident District Commissioner of Otuke, Isaac Opio Opeo, commended the government for providing agricultural tools to farmers, saying the initiative will enhance food production and improve household incomes across the district.
He urged beneficiaries to use the hand hoes for farming rather than selling or misusing them, emphasizing that the government will not tolerate the diversion of agricultural inputs.
Beneficiaries, including Esther Okello and Justine Ananga of Te-Ogini Cell, Otuke District, welcomed the support, saying the hand hoes will reduce the burden of farm work and help increase production to improve their families’ livelihoods.
Meanwhile, in Alebtong District, police have arrested Odongo Isaac Walter, 48, the Sub-county Chief of Adwir Sub-county, and Lawrence Ongom, 40, the Parish Chief of Olwero Parish, over the alleged theft of 102 government hand hoes meant for beneficiaries.
