Vice President Jessica Alupo has cautioned leaders in the Teso sub-region against extorting money and spreading false information in relation to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s cattle restocking and rehabilitation program.
Alupo made the remarks during a consultative meeting held on Monday, September 8, 2025, at Eneku Village in Soroti City, where leaders from across the region gathered to assess the progress of the presidential initiative.
The meeting followed reports that some individuals were illegally registering residents and soliciting money, claiming it was part of the restocking program.
Katakwi District LCV Chairperson, Hon. Geoffrey Omolo, revealed that his office had received several complaints from locals who feared being excluded from the program after being approached by such groups.
In response, the Vice President urged leaders to desist from misleading communities, stressing that the program is fully government-funded and free of charge.
“The behavior of spreading poor information and soliciting money from people must stop. Let no one interrupt the government plan of fighting household poverty by telling lies and forging information,” Alupo warned.
The government’s cattle rehabilitation initiative, launched in 2022, seeks to compensate households in Teso and neighboring regions that lost livestock during the political turmoil of the 1970s and 1980s. So far, 28,000 out of 52,790 claimants have been earmarked to benefit from Shs.159 billion already allocated.
Under the arrangement, each household is expected to receive direct cash payments equivalent to the value of five cattle, with each cow estimated between Shs.1.5 million and Shs.2 million. Stakeholders also agreed to prioritize the re-opening of dams, provision of improved bulls for every five households, and establishment of sperm banks to improve livestock breeds.
The 10-member oversight committee chaired by VP Alupo includes Minister of Teso Affairs Clement Ongolo Obote, Serere District Chairperson Stephen Ochola, Katakwi RDC Stephen Ilemukorit Okure, and other regional leaders.
Dr. Kenneth Engola Obote, Minister of State for Teso Affairs, highlighted that government support will go beyond cattle restocking to include infrastructure, health, and education development in the region.
Concluding the meeting, Alupo emphasized unity and transparency in the implementation of the program.
“We must remove our differences and come together as one region to ensure the cattle rehabilitation program addresses poverty levels in Teso,” she said.
She added that a final report on the consultations will be presented to President Museveni by September 18, 2025, for further guidance.
The meeting was attended by district chairpersons, Chief Administrative Officers, District Veterinary Officers, and councilors from across the 11 districts of Teso.
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