President Museveni Pledges Democratic Livestock Restocking Programme for Teso, Lango, and Acholi

Kapelebyong District |

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Presidential flag bearer, has unveiled a major livestock restocking proposal aimed at revitalizing household wealth in northern and eastern Uganda. The announcement was made during his campaign rally at St. Francis Secondary School, Acumet, in Kapelebyong District, on Thursday, October 30, 2025, as he brought his 2026–2031 campaign message to the people of Teso sub-region.

The President outlined plans for what he called a “democratic restocking programme” targeting households across Teso, Lango, and Acholi sub-regions — regions that have long suffered economic setbacks from cattle raids and insurgencies.

“I recently met your leaders and asked why we don’t have a democratic formula for restocking. I proposed that each homestead should receive five cows,” President Museveni said, drawing loud applause from the thousands in attendance.

He added that the proposal had received broad support from local leaders and that government has been directed to begin planning for its implementation.

“This will be a fair and transparent way to ensure every family benefits from Uganda’s progress,” he emphasized.

According to President Museveni, the initiative seeks to restore the traditional livestock-based wealth that once sustained families across northern and eastern Uganda, while strengthening the government’s wider rural transformation agenda. The plan aligns with the NRM Manifesto 2026–2031, which emphasizes wealth creation through agriculture, industrialization, and community empowerment under the ongoing Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga programmes.

Tackling Corruption and Poor Road Maintenance

In his address, President Museveni also turned attention to governance and accountability, particularly at the district level. He criticized some local officials for mismanaging road maintenance funds, warning that government would take firm action against corrupt practices.

“On the roads, there is some little problem which I have ordered the Ministry of Works and the Ministry of Local Government to stop. They delay in maintaining both tarmac and murram roads,” he said.

He revealed that each district receives approximately Shs 1.3 billion annually for road maintenance but noted that some districts had failed to use the funds effectively.

“Some roads are not maintained, and when they are, they do it carelessly. They just grade without drainage. I am going to deal with them,” the President cautioned.

Progress Under NRM in Teso

President Museveni highlighted the visible progress achieved under NRM leadership across Teso, particularly in education, infrastructure, and social services.

“In Kapelebyong alone, there are now ten secondary schools — a sign of how far we’ve come,” he noted, emphasizing that government investments have made education more accessible to rural families.

He also pointed out key infrastructure developments connecting the sub-region to major economic corridors — including road projects linking Soroti, Moroto, Mbale, and Lira — and promised to extend road networks to Amuria, Obalanga, and Otuke to enhance trade and mobility.

Commitment to Peace and Stability

Reflecting on Uganda’s security progress, President Museveni reminded the people of Teso of the country’s hard-won peace and stability.

“Since 2007, Uganda has enjoyed peace. We defeated the rebels and disarmed cattle rustlers. That is why we can now talk about wealth creation,” he said.

He praised the security agencies for maintaining peace in the Karamoja and Teso regions, which has paved the way for development programs to take root.

Education Reform and Family Empowerment 

The First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni, accompanied the President at the rally and reaffirmed the government’s dedication to ensuring universal access to education.

“In the coming Kisanja, all teachers will be paid by government, and parents will not have to pay any fees,” she assured the crowd, underscoring efforts to fully eliminate charges in UPE and USE institutions.

Maama Janet urged parents to support the NRM government, emphasizing that education remains the foundation for sustained development.

Kapelebyong’s Development Milestones

Under NRM leadership, Kapelebyong District has experienced steady development gains. According to district reports, Shs 17 billion has been disbursed under the Parish Development Model, benefiting over 17,000 households, while Emyooga SACCOs have received Shs 920 million in funding.

The district also received Shs 3.9 billion in compensation for families affected by past cattle raids. Major investments are underway in education, healthcare, and clean water access, including the Kapelebyong Town Piped Water Project, now serving over 3,000 residents.

Rally Theme and Closing Message

The Teso campaign rally, attended by NRM Central Executive Committee members, Members of Parliament, and cultural leaders, was held under the theme: “Protecting the Gains, As We Make a Qualitative Leap into High Middle-Income Status.”

President Museveni concluded his speech by appreciating the people of Teso for their continued support and reaffirmed his vision of a united and prosperous Uganda.

“NRM is Uganda’s party — building Uganda and ensuring that all our children live better lives than we did,” he declared.