Elders and civil society organizations (CSOs) in the Teso sub-region have urged President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to utilize existing, corruption-free structures in implementing the Teso cattle restocking and rehabilitation program.
The call was made on Thursday, 11 September 2025, during a consultative meeting with the Cow Rehabilitation Committee, led by Vice President H.E. Rtd. Maj. Jessica Rose Alupo Epel.
The elders emphasized that leveraging existing local structures—such as LCIs, parish chiefs, and sub-county chiefs—during the restocking period would ensure that the program reaches the intended beneficiaries.
Willy Bisanga, an elder from Soroti City and former NRM chairman in Soroti, stressed the importance of a well-structured approach.
   “As elders of Teso, we’re ready to champion the presidential initiative to ensure it reaches the right people in the community,” Bisanga said.
Ben Boharm Okiror, CSO and project coordinator for FAFO, assured the committee of full support in ensuring the program’s success. He suggested that CSOs be involved in monitoring the program to track its implementation effectively.
Okiror also recommended that, at the start of the distribution, information be widely shared with households via electronic media platforms, including radio, television, and social media. He added that clear guidelines should be established on how the livestock would be distributed and how next of kin would sign off on the process.
Benson Ekue, CEO of the Public Accounts Committee, highlighted concerns about the selection criteria, particularly regarding marginalized groups, including orphans and persons with disabilities.
“We are worried about the criteria and mechanisms the committee will use to select marginalized families,” Ekue said, urging leaders to avoid politicking and instead focus on raising community awareness about the program.
Ekue also reminded Vice President Alupo of the need to revive degraded wetlands and address stalled factory projects in the region.
Vice President Alupo commended the CSOs for supporting the presidential initiative. She noted that the Ugandan cabinet has resolved against further establishment of factories in wetland areas and called on the community to protect and restore the environment.
Alupo announced that the government plans to launch an anti-tick vaccine to prevent counterfeit products, which pose risks to crops, animals, and humans.
“If successfully implemented, this program will enhance the production of beef, milk, hides, skins, and bones, boosting the region’s agricultural output,” she said.
The Vice President further assured the Teso community of government commitment to socio-economic development through improvements in infrastructure, including roads, airports, railways, and water facilities, to facilitate the export of agricultural products.
The Source Reports.
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