Cattle Restocking Scheme Faces Scrutiny Over Alleged Abuse in Acholi

Uganda's parliamentary committee is raising serious concerns about the implementation of the government's cattle restocking program, particularly in Gulu, citing allegations of favoritism, bribery, and manipulation of beneficiary lists. The Parliamentary Committee on Presidential Affairs, led by Martin Ojara Mapenduzi, has begun questioning political and technical leaders in the Acholi region about the selection process for the program.

The committee has heard disturbing allegations that some local leaders have inserted themselves, their relatives, and spouses onto the lists of beneficiaries. This alleged self-enrichment has reportedly come at the expense of vulnerable individuals who were the intended recipients. Specifically mentioned as being sidelined are the elderly, widows, single mothers, former abductees and returnees from the Lord's Resistance Army, and persons with disabilities.

In Gulu City, which was allocated Shs3.332 billion to support 667 households, officials reported that only 640 beneficiaries had received funds by the time of the committee's meeting. Further allegations suggest that some officials demanded money from individuals seeking inclusion on the beneficiary lists. Dodoth East MP Peter Pex Paak criticized this conduct, warning that such actions could erode public trust in government initiatives.

While Gulu City Mayor Julius Acire Labeja acknowledged implementation shortcomings and promised action, the parliamentary committee stressed the need for enhanced community participation, rigorous beneficiary verification, and tighter accountability mechanisms. These measures are deemed essential to ensure the program's next phase avoids the reported challenges. The cattle restocking initiative aims to rebuild livestock wealth lost during years of insurgency and cattle rustling in northern and eastern Uganda, with significant government funding allocated for its first two phases.

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leaders who prioritise themselves and their relatives could undermine public confidence in government programmes.