During the conclusion of his campaign tour in Bukedea district, Presidential candidate Yoweri Kaguta Museveni unveiled a government-backed initiative aimed at restoring cattle populations in regions heavily impacted by past conflicts, specifically Teso, Lango, and Acholi.
Dubbed the Cattle Restocking and Rehabilitation Program, the project is designed to rebuild livestock herds for communities across northern and eastern Uganda. Museveni stated that the program will be rolled out over a three- to four-year period to ensure careful planning and proper implementation.
“This is not a one-season project,” Museveni said, noting that the Cabinet has expressed strong support for the initiative. “We will phase it gradually, allowing sufficient time for preparation, budgeting, and oversight.”
The program targets over one million households who lost significant numbers of cattle during periods of insurgency and raiding. Under the plan, each household could receive up to five cows, though the total financial requirement will be considerable, making a phased approach necessary.
Museveni emphasized that the initiative goes beyond livestock distribution. It aims to create a sustainable livestock economy, with provisions for veterinary services, pasture development, and market access to help families manage and expand their herds effectively.
The cattle restocking scheme will be linked with other government programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga, which focus on grassroots enterprise and economic self-reliance. Integrating the program with local structures, Museveni explained, will help ensure that the support reaches genuine beneficiaries and reduces the risk of misuse.
Government ministries, including Finance and Agriculture, have been tasked with drafting a comprehensive roadmap covering key areas such as livestock procurement, breed selection, beneficiary training, and veterinary care. While Museveni did not disclose the exact budget, officials indicate that implementation may require hundreds of billions of shillings.
Local leaders have welcomed the initiative, praising the phased rollout. Jacob Ocen, Chairperson of Kapelebyong District, described the program as “well-thought-out” and expressed optimism that even a multi-year plan could bring lasting benefits to communities.
Museveni highlighted that the broader aim of the program is to promote self-reliance rather than dependency. “Owning cattle provides families with a source of income, nutrition, and financial stability. It enables them to educate their children and meet daily needs,” he explained.
The initiative also addresses longstanding calls for restitution in areas that suffered livestock losses during conflicts such as the LRA and Lakwena wars. Museveni’s announcement is viewed as part of ongoing efforts to provide tangible solutions to these historical grievances.
