Govt sets June deadline for cattle restocking in Teso, Lango and Acholi

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The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) has announced that the long-awaited restocking programme for households in Teso, Lango and Acholi will begin before the close of the current financial year on June 30, 2026. Each eligible household is expected to receive five cows under the initiative.

John Kalule, the commissioner for monitoring and evaluation overseeing various agencies, NGOs and public institutions at OPM, revealed this following growing pressure from leaders across several forums in Teso, most recently during the Amuria district baraza.

Kalule explained that the sh80b allocated for the programme had initially been scheduled for disbursement during the election period. However, on the President’s advice, certain concerns had to be addressed first, and those issues are currently being resolved.

He reassured the community that the funds are secured within the OPM and that officials are finalising beneficiary lists and operational guidelines to ensure the resources reach the intended recipients before the end of June 2026.

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)

Last year, the government initiated a new cattle restocking programme in the Teso, Lango and Acholi sub-regions to compensate households that lost livestock during past conflicts and cattle rustling. As an alternative, the government approved a cash payment of sh5 million per household, which is considered equivalent to the value of five cattle.

On March 14, 2026, shortly after discussions on the Teso agenda organised by the Iteso Cultural Union (ICU) at Soroti Hotel, several leaders expressed frustration over delays in implementing the programme.

Richard Ongorok, the Usuk County MP-elect, said Katakwi District has already received Sh2.5 b, pending completion of beneficiary lists.

As the newly elected MP, Ongorok said he would prioritise securing sufficient funding in future budgets to sustain 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, said the community hopes that now that elections are concluded, government will move quickly to implement the household payments.

Edakasi, who retained his seat, said the issue will remain a top priority in the upcoming 12th Parliament to help the affected regions recover from past conflicts.

Francis Akorikin, the Kapelebyong district chairperson and Kapelebyong County MP-elect, emphasised the role of leaders in working with government agencies and President Yoweri Museveni to fulfil the pledge of providing five cows to each household.

Akorikin suggested that government could consider borrowing funds to finance the programme if resources are currently insufficient.

He said the loan could be repaid over a period of fifteen years and stressed the need to determine which categories of households should benefit first.

He warned that failure to address the matter could make it difficult for politicians to mobilise voters in 2031 if the commitment remains unfulfilled.