By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
The government has begun disbursing funds under the much-anticipated livestock restocking program targeting Acholi, Lango, and Teso sub-regions, officials have confirmed.
The programme, which targets 16,000 households across 33 districts, is aimed at helping vulnerable families rebuild their livelihoods through livestock restocking and other income-generating activities.
Addressing journalists on Monday, the Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister, Alex Kakooza, said the OPM was allocated UGX 80 billion in the 2025/26 financial year to support 16,000 households, with each beneficiary receiving UGX 5 million.
“To date, 559 households have already received payment totalling UGX 2.8 billion. The expected completion of the first-phase disbursements to the 16,000 households is June 30, 2026,” Kakooza said.
The programme follows a directive issued by President Yoweri Museveni in November 2025 and subsequent Cabinet approval of implementation guidelines.
Kakooza explained that beneficiaries are selected by Parish Development Committees and their details uploaded onto the Parish Development Management Information System (PDMIS)- an ICT Ministry platform supporting parish-level development initiatives, for verification before payment. He clarified that parish chiefs and parish development committees do not handle any funds.
As of Monday morning, 11,504 beneficiaries had been uploaded onto the system, representing 71.9% of the target.
PS Kakooza confirmed that payments to verified beneficiaries have commenced through Pearl Bank Wendi mobile wallets, emphasizing that each household will receive Shs5 million, and warned the beneficiaries against signing for payments that do not reflect on their accounts.
“Beneficiaries must not sign or thumbprint any document confirming receipt of funds before the money is credited to their registered accounts or mobile numbers,” he warned.
Nonetheless, Kakooza acknowledged delays in this program but attributed them to slow submission of beneficiary data in four districts of Lamwo, Nwoya, Pader, and Agago.
“These delays are affecting verification and payment processing as government works to conclude implementation within the current financial year,” Kakooza said.
He appealed to all district leaders and technical teams to expedite submission to ensure timely completion within the current Financial Year 2025/26.
Kakooza also warned against fraud and urged political and technical leaders across the 33 districts to strengthen verification and monitoring mechanisms to prevent fraudulent practices and ensure transparency of the program.
He reiterated government commitment to supporting eligible households in northern Uganda.
