Apac Restocking Program Stalls Amid Cattle Scarcity and Movement Bans

Apac District’s ambitious government cattle restocking initiative is facing significant headwinds. Beneficiaries, who have received Shs5 million each, are finding it increasingly difficult to acquire the necessary livestock.

The primary obstacles are a scarcity of cattle and a ban on animal movement, which have dramatically inflated prices. District Chairperson Ambrose Agec Opio noted that cattle prices have surged from Shs600,000-Shs1 million to Shs2 million-Shs2.8 million per calf since the eviction of certain herdsmen.

Many beneficiaries had hoped to purchase cattle from neighboring districts like Masindi and Kiryandongo, where they believe better breeds are available at more competitive prices. However, movement restrictions, stemming from President Museveni’s Executive Order No. 2 of 2025 aimed at regulating livestock, are preventing the transport of animals into Apac.

Maruzi County MP Peter Obong Acuda warned that the inability to acquire cattle could lead to beneficiaries diverting funds to other uses, such as construction, land purchase, or agriculture, undermining the program’s core objective. He appealed to President Museveni to relax the cattle movement ban to allow the restocking program to proceed as intended.

Minister of State for Economic Monitoring, Sandra Santa Alum, acknowledged these challenges during an oversight visit. She pledged to raise the issue of movement restrictions with the relevant authorities, emphasizing the need for beneficiaries to access affordable markets to ensure the funds are utilized for their intended purpose and to provide auditable proof of purchase.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/cattle-scarcity-movement-ban-stall-restocking-in-apac-5596844