Pakula Boma Women and Farmers Welcome Grinding Mills Donation

(YEI RIVER COUNTY) – Communities in Pakula Boma, Yei River County, have received two grinding mills donated by Reconcile International, a national peace and development organisation.

The new machines were officially handed over to residents on Monday during a community stakeholders’ meeting. The donation followed repeated requests by women and farmers, who highlighted the lack of grinding facilities in the area.

For years, community members have had to travel around 20 miles to Yei town to grind their farm produce for both household use and marketing. Many said this journey was costly, time consuming and physically demanding, particularly for women.

Reconcile International’s Executive Director, Peter Tibi, said the grinding mills were given to two Village Savings and Loan Associations in Pakula Boma, Happy and Pajimugu groups. He explained that the machines would help farmers and families to process and add value to their agricultural produce locally.

“The handover event was received with joy and gratitude as beneficiaries and stakeholders celebrated this important support,” said Mr Tibi, adding that the initiative is part of the organisation’s commitment to empowering communities and strengthening resilience.

Local leaders praised the donation. Pakula Boma Sub Chief, Taratizo John, said: “We cannot believe this has finally happened. Many partners gave us empty promises, but today Reconcile and PDA have made the unbelievable real.”

Pokula Boma Youth Chairperson, Asiki Lomoro, also welcomed the donation.

“This support has bonded our livelihoods, togetherness, love, and happiness today and forever.”

Women beneficiaries described the grinding mills as a much needed relief. Esterida Betty, a local farmer, said: “We have suffered here for far too long since the conflict in 2016. These new machines will now help women to process grains locally without travelling to Yei town.”

The beneficiary groups, Happy and Pajimugu, said the donation represents more than just livelihood support. For them, it is a symbol of renewed trust, community resilience and sustainable development.

Mr Tibi reaffirmed that Reconcile International, together with its partner PDA, remains committed to working with communities to restore hope and transform lives through genuine and lasting partnerships.

Reconcile International Hands Over Grinding Mills to Villages