The NRM presidential candidate, President Museveni has promised that the government is going to give special consideration to Acholi under the new format of the cattle compensation program, which will soon be rolled out across the Acholi, Lango, and Teso sub-regions.
The program seeks to redress the historical loss of livestock and wealth suffered by families during the insurgencies that ravaged Northern Uganda for decades.
Addressing thousands of supporters today during a campaign rally at Opit Primary School playgrounds in Omoro Town Council, Omoro District, President Museveni, who is also the NRM presidential candidate, said the government had reviewed the previous cattle compensation framework and agreed to adopt a fairer and more transparent approach that guarantees inclusivity for all affected households.
“When the delegation of Acholi came, they said Acholi suffered the most and longest period during the insurgencies, and therefore, in addition to the 5 cows per household, we should also deal with the genuine claimants who lost so much,” President Museveni said.
“I’m therefore glad we have agreed on the minimum of five cows in the whole area, and the Cabinet will also study the idea of variation for the Acholi area,” H.E. Museveni said.
The President explained that while the government had already spent Shs. 159 billion on compensation claims across the three regions, many of the beneficiaries were questionable, and the process lacked transparency.
“The cattle in this area were destroyed by wars, and we tried to restock, but some other players opened up a case in the courts of law against the government. Because I never like wars, I decided to discuss with them, and they started getting money from the government to pay their clients. Up to 159 billion shillings was spent in that exercise,” he said.
“But where is this money going? I started checking and discovered theft and other irregularities in the payment model. The majority of the homesteads were left out.”
President Museveni revealed that after consultations with leaders from Teso, Acholi, and Lango, it was agreed that every homestead should receive five cows under a harmonized model to ensure equitable distribution.
According to government statistics, 4,836 claimants in the Acholi sub-region have so far been compensated, including 583 claimants in Omoro District who received Shs. 5.6 billion.
NRM’s record on peace and development
The President used the rally to highlight the NRM’s legacy of peace and stability, describing it as the foundation upon which Uganda’s progress has been built. He urged the people of Acholi to continue supporting him and all NRM flag bearers to consolidate these gains.
“The NRM has been able to maintain peace in Uganda for the first time in a long period, and the reason we were able to do so was because of the good politics,” he said.
President Museveni cited two major pillars of the NRM’s achievements: peace and development. Under development, he emphasized both economic infrastructure, such as roads, electricity, telecommunication, and water supply, and social infrastructure like schools and health facilities.
“We have already done tarmac roads in Acholi in three directions, which include the road from Karuma to Pakwach, Karuma to Gulu up to Nimule, and the road from Olwiyo–Gulu–Kitgum–Musingo,” he said.
“These are roads that never existed before. The road from Gulu to Awere to Kona Kilak will also be done. I know it very well because I used it many years ago. Other roads we are going to do are the road from Kitgum to Palabek to Atiak,” Museveni added.
The President also reflected on Uganda’s oil discovery, attributing it to divine timing and NRM leadership.
“God did not allow the British to discover our petroleum. They were here for 68 years and gave up in 1956 despite clear signs. When we came, we discovered it, and it’s going to start flowing next year,” President Museveni declared.
