VP Alupo warns Teso leaders against extortion in cattle rehabilitation initiative

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Vice President Jessica Alupo has issued a stern warning to leaders who have begun registering local residents and demanding money under the guise of benefiting from the new Teso cattle rehabilitation initiative.

Reports from various districts in Teso indicate that some leaders are allegedly soliciting payments in exchange for registering households to participate in the programme, which aims to provide each household with at least five cows.

She emphasised that this behaviour must cease immediately, warning that those responsible will face arrest and legal consequences.

Alupo stressed the importance of a careful approach, noting that such tactics could discourage the community and undermine the programme’s goal.

She stated, “When you're preparing cucumbers, the proper method is to first boil them and then add soda ash. However, these individuals have taken to adding soda ash before boiling.”

On September 2, 2025, a ten-member rehabilitation committee was launched following a presidential directive. Led by VP Alupo and supported by Teso affairs state minister Dr Kenneth Clement Ongalo Obote, the committee began engaging stakeholders in Teso on September 4.

Consultations have involved security chiefs, the Iteso Cultural Union (ICU), Kumam Cultural Heritage (KUCH), boda boda leaders, chief administrative officers, district veterinary officers, LCV district chairpersons, and councillors.

The stakeholders collectively endorsed providing direct cash payments to households to acquire five cows each, citing delays and risks associated with bank transactions. They also pledged to use grassroots structures to mobilise, verify, educate, and oversee programme implementation.

While security chiefs proposed valuing each cow at sh1 million, other stakeholders, including ICU, KUCH, CAOs, DVOs, district chairpersons, and councillors, recommended a higher range of sh1.7 million to sh2 million to account for inflation, ensuring accountability and transparency.

Stakeholders further highlighted the need for government-supported improved bulls or a sperm bank to enhance cattle quality in Teso.

Addressing a large gathering in Eneku village, Vice President Alupo emphasised adherence to established procedures. 

She noted that all groups, including opposition parties, will be involved in consultations to ensure transparency.

Alupo explained that the final report, due by September 15, 2025, will be presented to the President on September 18, with feedback shared with leaders and the public. 

She called on the people of Teso to unite in support of the cattle rehabilitation programme, stressing its importance in addressing poverty.

The Vice President clarified that only residents within the 1962-defined Teso region are eligible. Households that previously received fewer than five cows under the Teso compensation programme will receive cash to make up the difference.

Dr Ongalo added that households with couples under 18 years of age will not qualify for cows.

ICU, in collaboration with UBOS, will provide household data to determine funding for supplying five cows per family, aiding presidential planning.

The committee is dedicating eleven days at Eneku village to consult various stakeholders, including Teso MPs, NRM district chairpersons, LC3 chairpersons, opinion leaders, veterans, cattle businessmen, religious representatives, and special interest groups, to ensure the effective implementation of the presidential directive.