As the government has so far spent UGX 84 billion in the second quarter compensating war cattle claimants in the regions of Acholi, Lango, and Teso, the claimants have urged President Museveni to complete the process before the 2026 presidential elections.
Some of the 33,000 claimants in Teso have raised concerns about the payment criteria, noting that some individuals have been paid twice
In 2022, the government, through the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, earmarked UGX 200 billion to compensate the war debt claimants for livestock lost during past insurgencies in the country.
In the Teso Sub-Region, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni launched the exercise to promote peace and revitalize the cattle economy in the region. However, claimants have expressed concerns about the payment process, with only a few receiving money in their accounts more than once.
The President dispatched a delegation from State House, led by his Private Secretary in charge of Political Affairs, Mr. Augustine Otuko, to the Teso Sub-Region grassroots to investigate whether the money is reaching the rightful recipients amidst corruption concerns.
Otuko confirmed that at least 40 percent of claimants have received money in their bank accounts.
“By now, the government has disbursed UGX 80.4 billion, with Teso claimants receiving UGX 32.2 billion, Lango UGX 26.2 billion, and Acholi UGX 21.6 billion,” he said.
He further noted the information gap between local leaders and the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs.
“While a majority of claimants have voiced their distress over the delay in receiving their first installments, those who have benefited are visibly using the funds to improve their livelihoods,” he added.
Mr. Ekiribat Nathan, aged 73, a resident of Adudui in Dakabela, Soroti district, confirmed receiving UGX 7,000,000 as an installment into his account.
“I received six million shillings and used it to build a permanent structure. My livelihood has changed, and I still ask the government to clear the remaining balance of 20 cows,” he said.
The claimants have requested the government to complete their compensation before the 2026 elections.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is expected to visit the Teso Sub-Region on 12th August for the National Youth Celebration to be held in Soroti Core PTC in Soroti district.
