PABBO — President Yoweri Museveni has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to revamp a cattle restocking program in northern Uganda’s Acholi sub-region, pledging the initiative would restore livelihoods and transform the local economy.
Speaking at a campaign rally in Amuru District on Tuesday, Museveni said the program had been delayed by court cases and administrative challenges. He stated that a proposal to provide five cows to each household is now moving forward after consultations.
“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,” Museveni told supporters at Pabbo Primary School.
The president said local leaders had argued for special consideration for the region, which was devastated by the Lord’s Resistance Army insurgency. They requested that compensation for war losses continue alongside the restocking effort.
Museveni said he has directed the prime minister to convene a Cabinet meeting to fast-track the proposal. “These programs will change your area. It will not remain the same,” he assured the crowd.
During his speech, Museveni also emphasized his government’s approach to development prioritization, urging a focus on large-scale infrastructure projects before other social services.
“The road is more important than the salary of a teacher because the road serves everyone,” Museveni said, explaining that resources should not be scattered. He pointed to ongoing road construction as a foundational element for economic transformation.
Amuru District NRM Chairperson Wilfred Odiya Baguma thanked the president for the prevailing peace and government programs. He pledged overwhelming electoral support for Museveni’s party and appealed for government help to address elephants invading villages and destroying crops.
The Acholi sub-region is recovering from a two-decade conflict led by the LRA, which caused widespread displacement and economic devastation. Government restocking programs are aimed at helping communities, traditionally reliant on livestock, rebuild their agricultural base.
