VP Alupo reaffirms livestock restocking plan for Teso, Lango and Acholi

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Vice President Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo has reiterated the government’s commitment to restocking livestock for families in the Teso, Lango and Acholi sub-regions, with each beneficiary household set to receive five cows as compensation for animals lost during past conflicts and cattle rustling.

Alupo made the remarks during the priestly silver jubilee celebrations of Rev. Fr Dr Robert Amoni Ocen at Olianai village in Wera subcounty, Amuria district, on January 31, 2026.

She said the government had allocated about sh80 billion for the initiative before the general elections, noting that the funds will enable each household to purchase five cows and build on the first phase of the programme, which faced several implementation challenges.

Vice President Jessica Alupo together with Bishop Joseph Eciru Oliach and Bishop Dominic Eibu cuting the cake during the priestly silver jubilee in Wera, Amuria District on Saturday. (Photo by Delux Emmy Alomu)

The Vice President stressed that the commitment to the restocking programme, which was discussed before the elections, would be honoured. She clarified that funds are available and that President Yoweri Museveni will officially launch the initiative.

Her reassurance followed concerns among residents who felt that silence after the elections had cast doubt on whether the programme would be implemented.

Alupo said the elected government remains focused on working with all Ugandans without division, while advancing development and poverty alleviation initiatives, including livestock restocking and the Parish Development Model.

She also congratulated the jubilee celebrants for their service to God and urged both leaders and citizens to work together for the good of their communities.

The event was presided over by the Bishop of Soroti Catholic Diocese, Rt Rev. Dr Joseph Eciru Oliach, and was held under the theme, "How can I repay the Lord for all the great good done for me? I will raise the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord."

During the holy mass, Bishop Eciru encouraged Christians to marry at a younger age, recalling his school days with Fr Amoni and the challenges they faced together, including bullying and a particularly harsh incident involving a fellow student, Fr Patrick Achedu.

He urged Christians to remain firm in their faith and overcome the trials they face in life.

Fr Robert Ebietu, the parish priest of St Michael Catholic Parish in Wera, appealed to the Vice President for support towards ongoing church construction projects. He requested assistance for plastering and installing windows valued at sh120 million in the new parish church, as well as support for cement works at Ongutoi Catholic Parish and the construction of a multi-storey residence for the parish priest in Asamuk. Alupo pledged to explore ways of supporting the requests.

Vice President Jessica Alupo greeting Bishop Joseph Eciru Oliach and looking on the right is Bishop Dominic Eibu of Kotido Catholic Diocese during the silver jubilee celebrations in Wera, Amuria distict on Saturday. (Photo by Delux Emmy Alomu)

Fr Dr Amoni, who was born on June 7, 1971, was ordained a priest on August 5, 2000, at St Michael Catholic Parish, Wera, alongside Fr Achedu.

The celebrations were attended by Bishop Dominic Eibu of the Kotido Catholic Diocese, the newly elected Amuria district LC5 chairperson, Isaac Okello Omiat, the Amuria resident district commissioner, Paul Eseru, the Abim RDC, Robert Adiama, and other leaders.