President Yoweri Museveni has announced plans to restart the cattle restocking program in the Acholi Sub-region as part of government efforts to rebuild livelihoods and boost the local economy.
Addressing a large crowd at Pabbo Primary School in Amuru District during his campaign rally, the President said the government had already initiated the restocking program, but its progress was delayed by court cases and administrative setbacks.
“We had already started restocking, but some people went to court, which slowed down the process. After further consultations, I suggested that each household should receive five cows, and the people agreed that this was fair,” Museveni said.
He added that Acholi leaders had requested a special arrangement for their region, citing the unique hardships caused by the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) insurgency.
“The Acholi people explained that their situation was not just about cattle rustling. Many families lost everything during the LRA war, so they asked that compensation for those losses continues alongside the restocking program,” the President noted.
Museveni revealed that he had instructed the Prime Minister to organize a Cabinet meeting to discuss and speed up the implementation of the plan.
“These initiatives will completely transform this region. Acholi will not remain the same,” he assured the residents.
The President also emphasized the importance of prioritizing development projects that benefit the majority, cautioning against spreading resources too thinly.
“I want all NRM supporters to understand that we must prioritize. When we scatter our resources, we delay progress. For example, while we address the issue of teachers, we must first complete our roads because they serve everyone,” he explained.
Museveni stressed that good roads are the backbone of economic growth, connecting farmers to markets and enabling businesses to thrive.
“The road is more important than the salary of a teacher because everyone uses it,” he said, highlighting infrastructure as the key to sustainable development.
He reassured the Acholi people that with continued peace, improved infrastructure, and initiatives like the Parish Development Model and cattle restocking, their region is set for lasting prosperity.
“If we stay united and focus on the right priorities, Acholi’s story will change forever,” he declared.
Amuru District NRM Chairperson, Wilfred Odiya Baguma, thanked President Museveni for maintaining peace and introducing transformative programs that are already uplifting communities. He pledged overwhelming support for the ruling party in the coming elections.
“Your Excellency, Amuru stands firmly behind you. This time, we are targeting 90 percent support for the NRM,” Odiya said.
He also appealed to the government to address the problem of elephants destroying crops and causing harm to villagers in Amuru, calling it a serious threat to people’s lives and livelihoods.
Through the renewed cattle restocking program, President Museveni hopes to not only restore Acholi’s lost wealth but also set the region on a path toward economic recovery and self-sufficiency.