Otuke, Uganda – September 24, 2025
Efforts to roll out the presidential cattle compensation program in the Lango sub-region have stalled due to disagreements and lack of cooperation among local leaders. While neighboring regions like Acholi and Teso are already benefiting from the initiative, Lango remains behind.
This concern was raised during a District Internal Security Committee (DISC) meeting held in Otuke on Wednesday. Local leaders expressed worry that the region may miss out on the opportunity meant to help families recover from decades of cattle raids and related losses.
Sub-county and town council leaders, resident district commissioners (RDCs), and security personnel attended the meeting. Many agreed that compensating households with cattle was a fair and practical solution to settle old war-related claims.
Peter Okweda, the LCIII chairperson of Ogwete Sub-county, blamed the delay on poor coordination among Lango leaders. He noted that while Acholi and Teso leaders had united to push for the program, Lango leaders were still divided.
John Bosco Olwit Da Gama, chairperson of Okwongo Town Council, criticized those who were still pursuing court cases, even after President Museveni had clearly stated at a recent meeting in Lango College that direct household compensation was the preferred method.
Zadock Odongo, chairperson of Okwang Sub-county and coordinator for Lango war claimants, urged the government to allocate enough funds to cover all affected families. He encouraged fellow leaders to put aside political differences and follow the president’s guidance, emphasizing that only the president could make the final decision on the matter.
However, Otuke District Chairperson Abola Francis did not take a clear position. He said he was torn between supporting the court processes and backing the household compensation plan.
Assistant RDC Isaac Opio Opeo backed the compensation plan, noting that many community members were already in support of it. He urged leaders to act fast so that people could start benefiting.
RDC Erick Masiga, who chaired the meeting, described the cattle compensation as a key government effort to end poverty and finalize earlier restocking programs. He warned that Lango could miss out if its leaders didn’t act quickly. Masiga also praised President Museveni for his focus on peace and pledged his continued support for the NRM government.