Nyangoma Sarah, a resilient mother of four residing in Rwamutonga-Buseruka, nestled within the heart of Hoima district, has emerged as a triumphant figure against the backdrop of challenging circumstances.
Her life took an unexpected turn when the tide of oil and gas activities swept through her community, leaving behind a trail of interruption. Nyangoma’s once-thriving gardens were sacrificed to pave the way for the construction of a crude oil pipeline that traverses the landscape, connecting through Hoima from Buliisa district. Despite these effects, Nyangoma is aware that this ‘God given’ natural resource is a blessing to her community.
“We greeted the news of the discovery with exhilaration, and witnessing the initial stages of exploration’s unfolding is a clear harbinger of the auspicious times that await,” remarks Nyangoma.
In the face of this transformation, Nyangoma found herself among the individuals known as Project Affected Persons (PAPs). Their journey to recovery was championed by Living Earth Uganda (LEU), an organization dedicated to making a positive impact on lives. Through the Agricultural Services Project (AgricSSP), generously funded by Total Energies, the pioneering force behind the Tilenga oil exploration zones, Nyangoma and her fellow PAPs found a glimmer of hope amidst uncertainty.
Beyond mere compensations, Nyangoma was entrusted with a collection of resources designed to facilitate the revival of her livelihood. At the heart of this endeavor was the provision of essential inputs, including a Boer buck—a prized goat breed renowned for its value. Also, part of the package were pastures, notably Nappier and Chloris Gayana, chosen for their nutritional prowess and potential to bolster the productivity of the livestock.
Vivian Aneno, the dedicated Assistant Livestock Specialist at LEU’s Bunyoro branch, shed light on the underlying motive.
“Our aim was to empower them [PAP-Households] to enhance animal nutrition, elevate livestock productivity, and combat the challenges of feed scarcity, particularly in the unforgiving grip of dry spells,” she revealed. The Bunyoro region, nestled within the expanse of western Uganda, has historically borne the brunt of drought’s harsh embrace.
Nyangoma’s optimism radiated as she articulated her aspirations. While her maize crops thrived and reaped bountiful yields, it was the prospects of the Boer goats that truly captured her imagination.
“This breed of goats,” she shared with a sparkle in her eyes, “once they mature, can translate into a fortune of half a million. And the more goats I nurture, the closer I edge towards prosperity.”
Amidst her journey, Nyangoma couldn’t help but extol the virtues of LEU. She lauded the organization for imparting knowledge through an array of training initiatives and for the compassion exemplified by its dedicated staff.
“LEU’s personnel are not just knowledgeable; they’re also approachable and steadfast in their support,” Nyangoma emphasized with gratitude.
In the tale of Nyangoma Sara, a chapter has been written that traverses from upheaval to empowerment. Her indomitable spirit, coupled with the alliance formed between LEU and Total Energies, has woven a narrative of resilience. As Nyangoma tends to her Boer goats and nurtures the very land that once bore her gardens, she stands as a beacon of hope, inspiring her community to forge ahead with determination, hope, and the unwavering spirit of transformation.