MUSEVENI HEADS TO TESO TO FAST-TRACK CATTLE COMPENSATION

By Abraham Ekwaru, Communication Officer Soroti

The President of the Republic of Uganda, H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, is expected in the Teso sub-region this Friday, August 15, 2025, for a high-level engagement with leaders to assess the progress of the government’s Cattle Compensation Programme.

The programme, one of the flagship initiatives aimed at addressing historical injustices and restoring the livelihoods of communities in Teso, Lango, and Acholi, was officially launched by the President on March 27, 2022, at Soroti University. It is being implemented under the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs.

The cattle compensation initiative seeks to provide financial redress to individuals and families who lost livestock during past insurgencies and cattle rustling episodes. Government views the programme as a crucial pillar for economic recovery in the region, alongside other initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), and Emyooga.

These interventions are designed to boost household incomes, create jobs, and enhance agricultural productivity. The President’s upcoming visit will provide an opportunity to evaluate how far the cattle compensation scheme has progressed since its launch and to address any implementation challenges.

During his visit, H.E. Museveni will hold a meeting with political, cultural, and religious leaders from across the Teso sub-region at Soroti University. The engagement is expected to focus on strategies to fast-track compensation payments, strengthen accountability, and ensure beneficiaries use the funds for productive ventures.

The President’s visit comes at a time when government is intensifying its efforts to tackle poverty and unemployment through integrated development programmes. By combining direct compensation with broader economic empowerment schemes like PDM and OWC, the state aims to create a sustainable pathway for rural transformation.

The meeting at Soroti University is expected to draw significant attention from both beneficiaries and stakeholders, marking a critical moment in the journey to restore Teso’s economic strength

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