Amuru — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to revitalising the cattle restocking programme in the Acholi Sub-region, describing it as a key intervention to restore livelihoods and stimulate the local economy.
Speaking during a presidential campaign rally at Pabbo Primary School in Amuru District on Tuesday, President Museveni said the government had already initiated the restocking process, but implementation slowed due to court cases and administrative challenges.
“We are planning to restock, and we had already started, but some people went to court, and it became another issue,” the President explained. “Recently, after further discussions, I proposed that each household should receive five cows. When consultations were done, the people agreed that it was a fair solution.”
President Museveni revealed that Acholi leaders had requested special consideration for the sub-region, citing its distinct experience during the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) insurgency.
“The Acholi people said their case is different from other regions affected by cattle rustling. They argued that while restocking continues, compensation for losses during the LRA war should also proceed,” he said.
The President added that he had written to the Prime Minister directing her to convene a Cabinet meeting to discuss and expedite the proposal.
“These programmes will change your area. It will not remain the same,” he assured the people of Acholi.
Emphasis on Prioritisation and Infrastructure
President Museveni urged leaders and citizens to embrace prioritisation in national planning, warning against spreading resources too thinly across many projects.
“I ask all NRM supporters to understand the issue of prioritisation. There is a mistake in scattering resources,” he said. “We, the guerrillas, believe in doing one thing at a time. For example, while we have the issue of teachers’ salaries, we are still struggling with roads. Let us first finish the roads, then handle the issue of teachers.”
The President stressed that roads are critical to economic transformation, serving as the backbone of trade and service delivery.
“The road is more important than the salary of a teacher because the road serves everyone,” he emphasised, adding that infrastructure is the foundation of sustainable development.
Acholi’s Path to Transformation
President Museveni assured the people of Acholi that, with sustained peace and targeted programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and cattle restocking, the region is poised for steady progress.
“If we work together and focus on the right priorities, Acholi will never be the same again,” he said.
Local Leaders Commend Government Support
Amuru District NRM Chairperson, Mr Baguma Wilfred Odiya, thanked President Museveni for maintaining peace and introducing transformative initiatives like the PDM, which he said are already improving livelihoods.
“We want to assure you, Your Excellency, that Amuru is solidly behind you. This time, we are targeting 90 percent support for the NRM,” Mr Odiya declared.
He also commended the government for its efforts in education and infrastructure, while appealing for urgent action to address the problem of elephants invading villages, destroying crops, and endangering lives in parts of the district.
