I am now a reformed man. I will never get involved in the bad practice of cattle rustling ever again
Posted on: 18th May, 2023 By: John Lokoki Tag: Livelihood 5 min read
My name is John Lokoki, I am married with three children all
of whom are of school going age. I lived a life of violence and desperation.
Raised in poverty, I saw raiding as my only option for survival. Like many
other young men in my community, I joined a group of raiders, stealing
livestock from neighboring communities in order to provide for my family. On
one occasion, I was charged following the Nabilatuk resolution of the Karamoja
region and I lost 12 of my cows, leaving me with only one cow. I was imprisoned
for 2 years and 8 months and served my sentence up to August 2021.
When I came back from Amita prison, I had lost everything
and was only left with an empty garden of maize and beans. My children and wife
lacked food and clothing. My children were hawking vegetables on the roads (a
form of child labour). I sold the only cow I had remained with to provide for my
immediate household needs. Without anything remaining, I resorted to casual
work in the community for survival so that I provide for my family.
My upward life journey started when the PIGA project
identified my household to benefit from the interventions. I joined the youth
to learn a skill in motor mechanics through the CHEAL model (Choose to Earn as
you Learn). I negotiated with the local artisan (trainer) to pay me at least
4,000 UGX daily while being trained. I also joined a VSLA group and would save
some of the money I earned. This money could provide for my household, educate my
children, save weekly and borrow.
With the loans I took from the VSLA, I set up my own
motorcycle garage. I now train other youth who are interested in motor
mechanics. My garage is currently the only one in the whole community. I also
engage in agriculture to supplement my income from the garage. On my 4 acre of
land, during the rainy season I plant sunflower and groundnuts for commercial
purposes. I have stable incomes and I am relatively comfortable.
Quick facts
In July 2021, Nascent Research and Development Organization Uganda entered into an agreement with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in support of the MDF-funded project, known as "Supporting Governments in addressing child labor for sustainable agricultural transformation in COVID-19 economic recovery". Nascent RDO made progressive efforts towards addressing the root causes of child labor through a Project, known as, "Piloting Income Generating Activities" (PIGA-IGAs Project).
The PIGA-IGAs project started in August 2021 and lasted for a period of 5 months. It engaged in the provision of services for awareness raising on child labour and economic empowerment of 400 vulnerable households affected by child labour in Amudat and Moroto districts in Karamoja sub-region of Uganda. Over the 5 months of implementation, The PIGA-IGAs project generated a number of good practices that require strengthening and replication.
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