news 17 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Northern Uganda Cattle Restocking Program Faces Fraud Allegations Over Beneficiary Forms
A government cattle restocking initiative in Acholi, Lango, and Teso sub-regions has sparked outrage due to suspicious registration forms that falsely claim recipients have already received funds. Lawmakers warn of potential fraud as thousands submit invalid applications amid strict eligibility rules. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/cattle-restocking-scheme-sparks-uproar-in-north-5426504
A multi-billion shilling cattle restocking program for northern Uganda has ignited controversy over its beneficiary registration process. Allocated Shs80 billion for the 2025/26 financial year, the scheme targets districts in Acholi, Lango, and Teso sub-regions devastated by past insurgency.
Funds are divided equally among the three sub-regions, with each selected household receiving Shs5 million to buy three female cattle and two oxen. District shares vary by household numbers, prioritizing elderly people, former abductees, female-headed homes, unemployed youth, and persons with disabilities.
Eligibility demands no prior benefits from programs like NAADS, Emyooga, PDM, or earlier restocking efforts, plus a valid National ID number. Beneficiaries must sign consent forms acknowledging receipt of funds, verified by parish officials.
Critics, including Kilak County MP Gilbert Olanya, decry the process as fraudulent. Forms distributed recently pre-state that applicants have already received the money, leading over 10,000 people in Amuru District alone to submit them. Olanya filed fraud charges against Gulu City officials, including the Resident City Commissioner and Town Clerk, demanding invalidation of old forms and issuance of new ones.
Gulu City Town Clerk Innocent Ahimbisibwe admitted the error, claiming corrected forms were distributed, though old versions persisted in areas like Lacor Centre village as of Monday.
The program aims to boost incomes and restock livestock, with Lango getting the largest share at Shs28.5 billion, followed by Teso (Shs24.2 billion) and Acholi (Shs23.3 billion).
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)