Gov’t extends Northern Uganda cattle restocking programme to 10 years

What the report says

The Independent Uganda, citing URN, reports that the government has extended the Northern Uganda cattle restocking programme from five to 10 years. State Minister for Northern Uganda Rehabilitation Beatrice Akello Akori said in Gulu on Saturday that the longer period is intended to allow all eligible households to benefit. The programme, initiated by President Yoweri Museveni last year, targets communities in Acholi, Lango and Teso that lost livestock during years of conflict.

Under the first phase, the scheme is designed to support 16,000 households with cash grants of 5 million shillings each to buy five cattle, described as three heifers and two bulls. The report says 80 billion shillings was allocated in the 2025/26 financial year, and that 10,946 households had been approved by June. Akori said beneficiaries began receiving funds earlier this month and indicated that UGX 100 billion had been allocated for the new financial year to continue the programme.

Akori spoke during a thanksgiving event for Gulu Woman MP Phoebe Janet Ayoo Obol in Bungatira Subcounty, Gulu District. She urged recipients to use the money only for buying cattle and called on RDCs, RCCs and district officials to monitor beneficiary selection and implementation. Priority groups include widows, widowers, former abductees, older persons, persons with disabilities and unemployed youth.

The report also notes concerns over governance and the pace of rollout. Gulu District Chairperson Justine Obol Simpleman said some local leaders had been questioned or arrested over alleged manipulation of registration, while Aswa County MP Patrick Okello Onguti argued that funding levels may be too low to reach all affected households within the new timeline.