Government Mulls Five-Cow Compensation Scheme for War-Affected Households – Museveni

Alebtong / Otuke, Lango Sub-region – President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has announced that government is considering a flat-rate cattle compensation plan for households across northern Uganda, a move aimed at restoring the livestock wealth lost to decades of cattle rustling and armed conflict.

Speaking on Thursday at campaign rallies in Alebtong and Otuke Districts, the NRM presidential flag bearer explained that his proposal is to provide each affected household with a fixed number of cattle rather than adopting an open-ended system that has previously faced disputes and delays.

“Regarding cattle compensation, I recently consulted with leaders in Lango. I proposed to implement a flat approach, suggesting that each household receive five cows,” Museveni said. “While some people had reservations about this idea, the wananchi voiced their support, saying Museveni is right. Teso is on board, Lango is supportive, and I am waiting for feedback from Acholi. I have urged government to begin planning for this initiative.”

The President reminded the crowds that war and cattle rustling had devastated communities in northern Uganda, wiping out livestock that once provided sustenance, wealth, and dignity for families. He noted that replenishing this lost wealth is essential for rebuilding livelihoods in the region.

Peace and Stability as a Foundation

In Otuke, Museveni emphasized that peace and stability remain the cornerstone of Uganda’s transformation journey. He pledged that no group would be allowed to disrupt the hard-earned peace in Lango, recalling how the region had suffered during the insurgency of Joseph Kony’s Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) and the activities of armed cattle rustlers.

“This afternoon in Otuke, I was delighted to reconnect with my neighbors. We have faced challenges together, fighting against Kony and cattle rustlers who disrupted the peace in our area. Now it is our time to pursue lonyo (wealth), and no one will deter us from achieving this goal,” Museveni told the cheering crowds.

Oil Revenues to Fund Infrastructure

Turning to Uganda’s oil sector, the President said revenues from the country’s commercial oil reserves in the Albertine Graben will be dedicated to transformative infrastructure development. He pledged that oil money would not be squandered on luxuries such as imported whiskey or perfumes.

“When our oil comes out, I will not allow it to be wasted. That money will be for roads, the railway, electricity, schools, hospitals, and security,” he said.

The government, in partnership with international oil companies, is constructing production facilities and the East African Crude Oil Pipeline to transport crude to Tanga in Tanzania. Once production begins, the sector is projected to generate billions annually, with proceeds earmarked for roads, power supply, education, and health facilities.

Development Scorecard in Alebtong

In Alebtong, Museveni highlighted government achievements in the district, pointing to electricity connections, the upgrading of the Lira–Aloi–Apala–Alebtong–Abim road, and the presence of 76 government UPE schools, 122 private schools, and seven USE secondary schools. He also cited government programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, Youth Livelihood Fund, and the Women Fund as key wealth creation initiatives supporting households.

However, he cautioned citizens against relying only on public infrastructure. “Even if the government tarmacks the road, you do not sleep on the road. You go back home, where poverty may still be waiting. That is why we insist that people embrace programs like PDM and Emyooga for their prosperity,” Museveni stressed.

Next Campaign Stops

The President expressed gratitude to the people of Otuke for the warm reception, promising to continue engaging with communities in the north. “I thank the people of Otuke for the warm welcome I received today. On Friday 3rd October 2025, I will be heading to Apac and Kwania,” he said.

Museveni’s proposal for a flat-rate cattle compensation plan has already attracted interest across Lango and Teso sub-regions, and discussions with Acholi leaders are expected to determine its broader regional acceptance. If implemented, the initiative could mark a turning point in restoring the livestock-based wealth that once defined the livelihoods of many families in northern Uganda.