President Museveni has announced that the government is considering a flat-rate cattle compensation scheme across northern Uganda, following discussions with leaders in the Lango, Teso, and Acholi sub-regions.
Speaking at campaign rallies in Alebtong and later in Otuke District on Thursday, Museveni outlined his proposal for each affected household to receive a fixed number of cattle, rather than an open-ended compensation system.
“Regarding cattle compensation, I recently consulted with leaders in Lango and proposed a flat-rate approach, suggesting that each household receive five cows,” the NRM flag bearer stated.
“While some leaders expressed reservations, the wananchi voiced strong support, affirming that Museveni is right. Teso is on board, Lango is supportive, and I await feedback from Acholi. I have urged the government to begin planning this initiative.”
Museveni highlighted that cattle rustling and war had devastated the livestock wealth that once sustained households across northern Uganda. He emphasised that restoring this wealth is vital for rebuilding livelihoods.
Museveni also underscored the importance of peace and stability as the foundation of Uganda’s progress. “Nobody will be allowed to disrupt the hard-earned peace in Lango,” he told enthusiastic crowds in Otuke, stressing that national unity has been a core principle of the NRM since it assumed power.
On development, Museveni noted that Uganda’s oil revenues, expected once production begins, will fund major infrastructure projects. “When our oil comes online, I will ensure it is not squandered on importing luxury goods like whisky or perfumes. Those funds will support roads, railways, electricity, schools, hospitals, and security,” he said.
In Alebtong, he highlighted the government’s achievements in the district, including electricity connections, a well-maintained murram road from Lira through Aloi, Apala, and Alebtong to Abim, which is set to be upgraded, 76 government UPE schools, 122 private schools, and seven USE secondary schools.
He also pointed to wealth creation programmes such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Youth Livelihood Fund, Emyooga, and the Women Fund, which are supporting households.
Museveni urged citizens to seize these opportunities, cautioning against relying solely on public infrastructure. “Even if the government tarmacks the road, you don’t sleep on it. You return home, where poverty may still linger. That’s why we insist people embrace programmes like PDM and Emyooga for their prosperity,” he said.
Uganda’s commercial oil reserves, located in the Albertine Graben along the western rift valley, are being developed in partnership with international companies. The government is constructing production facilities and the East African Crude Oil Pipeline to transport crude to Tanga, Tanzania.
Once production starts, projected to generate billions annually, revenues will be invested in infrastructure and social services, the President affirmed.
