Museveni promises livelihood boost through cattle restocking in Acholi

____________________

President Yoweri Museveni has reaffirmed the government’s plan to revitalise the cattle restocking programme in the Acholi sub-region, saying it will help restore livelihoods and boost the local economy.

Addressing a rally at Pabbo Primary School in Amuru district on Monday, October 20, the President said the initiative had already begun but was slowed by court cases and administrative hurdles. 

“We are planning to restock, and we had already started, but some people went to court, and it became another issue. Recently, after further discussions, I proposed that each household should receive five cows. When consultations were done, the people agreed that it was a fair solution,” he said.

He added that Acholi leaders had requested a special arrangement for the sub-region because of its unique experience during the Lord’s Resistance Army insurgency.

“The Acholi people said their case is different from other regions that were affected by cattle rustling. They argued that while restocking goes on, compensation for losses during the LRA war should also continue,” he said.

Museveni said he had directed the Prime Minister to convene a Cabinet meeting to discuss the proposal.

“These programmes will change your area. It will not remain the same,” he said.

The President also called for prioritisation in development planning, urging leaders to focus on projects that have the greatest impact.

“I ask all NRM supporters to understand the issue of prioritisation. There is a mistake of scattering resources. We, the guerrillas, believe in doing one thing at a time. For instance, while we have the issue of teachers, we are still struggling with roads. Let us first finish the roads and then come to the issue of teachers,” he explained.

He emphasised that roads are vital for Uganda’s economic growth.

“The road is more important than the salary of a teacher because the road serves everyone,” he said.

Amuru NRM chairperson Wilfred Odiya thanked the President for the peace in the region and ongoing government programmes such as the Parish Development Model.

He pledged overwhelming support for the NRM in the coming elections and appealed for government action against elephants destroying crops in villages.