GULU CITY, April 24, 2026 — Gulu City officials have withdrawn controversial cattle restocking form that was being used to identify and register beneficiaries, following a public outcry.
The form, which included a section requiring potential beneficiaries, particularly those who lost livestock during past political instabilities, to declare receipt of funds, raised concern among members of the public, especially as disbursement had not yet begun.
During a meeting with town agents and other city officials on Monday, Peter Banya, the Resident City Commissioner in charge of Laroo-Pece Division, directed that all issued forms be collected from the community and returned to the Office of the Town Clerk for destruction.
“We have resolved to withdraw all the completed forms. Only the forms for the 21 beneficiaries vetted by the community will be considered,” Banya said.
The 21 beneficiaries include elderly persons, persons with disabilities, widows, widowers, orphans, former abductees, female-headed households, as well as unskilled and unemployed youth.
Banya explained that the original guidelines for identifying beneficiaries included a form with a declaration section indicating receipt of Shs 5 million.
“I raised concerns about this clause more than three weeks ago. I brought the matter to the attention of the regional Office of the Prime Minister [OPM] and I was informed that a revised form would be issued, but I have yet to see it,” he said.
He added that consultations with the OPM would continue to ensure a new form is provided for the identification process, while the initial form would only be used once beneficiaries receive the funds.
The government has earmarked Shs 80 billion for the restocking programme in the Acholi, Lango and Teso sub-regions for the 2025/2026 financial year.
Under the programme, each beneficiary household is expected to receive Shs 5 million to purchase three heifers and two oxen.
Amir Kamba, the Deputy Resident City Commissioner for Bardege-Layibi Division, cautioned town agents against corruption during the compilation of beneficiary lists.
“There are reports that the initial list of beneficiaries was not compiled fairly. In some cases, members of the same family, father, mother and son, were all listed as separate households. Be cautious; the state is watching, and such actions could cost you your jobs,” Kamba warned.
His remarks followed complaints of irregularities involving town agents tasked with identifying beneficiaries in collaboration with Local Council I and Local Council II officials.
Meanwhile, Kelly Komakech, the Town Agent for Agwee Ward Parish, emphasised the need for greater public sensitisation about the programme.
“The number of intended beneficiaries in this phase is limited, yet the demand is very high. It is important that the public clearly understands the selection criteria,” Komakech said.
https://thecooperator.news/museveni-assures-people-of-livestock-compensation/
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