Gov’t Sets Commencement Date for Cattle Restocking in Teso, Lango, Acholi Regions

John Kalule, the Commissioner for Monitoring and Evaluation in OPM speaking with Amuria Assistant RDC Proscovia Arongo after the district Baraza. Credit by Delux Emmy Alomu

By Delux Emmy Alomu

SOROTI CITY

The Office of the Prime Minister has officially announced that the long-awaited restocking program for households in Teso, Lango, and Acholi will commence before the close of the current financial year on June 30, 2026. Each eligible household is set to receive five cows as part of this initiative.

John Kalule, the Commissioner for Monitoring and Evaluation overseeing various agencies, NGOs, and public institutions at the Prime Minister’s Office, disclosed this information following significant pressure from leaders across different forums in Teso, with the most recent discussion taking place at the Amuria district Baraza.

Kalule mentioned that the Shs80 billion earmarked for this project was initially slated for disbursement during the elections. However, on the president’s advice, certain concerns needed attention first, and those matters are currently being addressed.

He reassured the community that the funds are secured within the OPM and that they are in the process of finalizing beneficiary lists and guidelines to ensure the resources reach the intended recipients by the end of June 2026.

Last year, the government-initiated new cattle restocking programme in the Teso, Lango, and Acholi sub-regions, aimed at compensating households for animals lost during past conflicts and cattle rustling. Alternatively, the government approved a cash payment of UGX 5 million per household, which is estimated to be the equivalent value of five cattle.

On March 14, 2026, shortly after discussions regarding the Teso agenda organized by the Iteso Cultural Union (ICU) at Soroti Hotel, several leaders expressed their frustration over the delays in the government’s implementation of this crucial program.

Richard Ongorok, the Usuk County MP Elect, reassured the community that Katakwi district has already received shs2.5 billion, which is awaiting the finalization of beneficiary lists.

As the newly elected MP, Ongorok emphasized their commitment to securing adequate funding in future budgets to ensure ongoing payments to households.

“We want the registration process for household payments to be expedited while maintaining transparency,” he stated.

Alfred Edakasi Elalu, the Kaberamaido County MP, conveyed the community’s hope that now that the elections are concluded, the government will move swiftly on household payments.

Edakasi, who has retained his seat, assured that this issue will remain a top priority in the coming 12th Parliament to help the regions recover from recent conflicts.

Francis Akorikin, District Chairperson for Kapelebyong and Kapelebyong County MP Elect, highlighted the essential role of leaders in collaborating with government agencies and President Museveni to fulfill the promise of providing five cows per household.

Akorikin proposed that the government take out a loan for this program, with the intention of repaying it in fifteen years if there are no available funds at the moment.

He emphasized that it is crucial for the government to determine which categories of households should begin benefiting from the cows. If this isn’t addressed, politicians may struggle to rally voters in 2031 before fulfilling this commitment.