Shs80 Billion Cattle Program in Lango Plagued by Fraud Allegations

The ambitious Shs80 billion Cattle Restocking Programme, launched to invigorate cattle farming in Uganda’s Lango, Acholi, and Teso sub-regions, is facing significant hurdles due to allegations of fraud. Investigations reveal that instead of empowering vulnerable farmers, the program has become a target for individuals seeking to illicitly gain from the allocated funds.

One beneficiary, Jennti Adong from Oyam District, discovered that Shs5 million intended for her to purchase cattle had been rerouted. Her phone number was allegedly altered in the system, linking her account to another individual. This tactic aimed to divert the funds, illustrating a sophisticated method of fraud.

The program utilizes Pearl Bank’s Wendi mobile money platform for disbursements. While designed for financial inclusion, the system’s vulnerabilities appear to be exploited. Cases like Adong’s, where account details are manipulated, highlight the urgent need for enhanced security and oversight. Some beneficiaries are finding their accounts linked to names and phone numbers that are not their own, making it difficult to access the funds.

Local leaders have been implicated in the scheme, with accusations that they are altering beneficiary names and phone numbers to siphon off the money. While some local officials acknowledge discrepancies in beneficiary data, they claim these issues are being addressed. However, the frequency of these reported irregularities suggests a systemic problem.

The government, through the Office of the Prime Minister, has stated that Shs80 billion was allocated for the 2025/26 financial year, aiming to support 16,000 households with Shs5 million each to buy livestock. As of early June 2026, a portion of these funds had been disbursed, with many more beneficiaries identified. Authorities are urging caution, advising beneficiaries not to confirm fund receipt before their accounts are credited.

Despite the ongoing issues, the government maintains the program is progressing, although implementation has been slowed in some districts due to delays in uploading beneficiary lists. Efforts are underway to expedite data submission and verification to ensure the program reaches its intended recipients.

For more details on the ongoing investigation, please refer to the original report.