Eleven Cows Passed Along in Uganda

SIDANYI, Uganda—Despite a heavy downpour, farmers and other community members attended a Passing on the Gift ceremony held here April 15. The Sidanyi Women’s Project, located in eastern Uganda more than 125 miles from the capital Kampala, started in 2002 with only six cows. But now, the members are proud to have passed on 42 cows.

Eleven cows were passed on to new farmers at this ceremony, using a raffle system to keep things transparent and fair. Heifer Uganda’s deputy country director urged participants to continue passing on their gifts, not only with animals but also with all the resources gained from their trainings.

To the recipients, the Passing on the Gift ceremony was a memorable moment. Damali Mutege, a recipient, said, “I came empty handed; today I walk away with a good heifer received.” But it was also memorable for those donating cows. They are now recognized as donors. One donor said, “Today I stand with Heifer International to donate a heifer to another family. So this recipient family should use this heifer as a tool to end poverty, hunger and care for the environment, like what the original heifer that I received has done for my family.”

Asked how Passing on the Gift is perceived, donor farmer Zipola Muyaba said, “Passing on the Gift is the right way to ensure continuity of projects.”

The event was crowned with a luncheon, dancing and music that saw farmers jubilant from Passing on the Gift in their project.