OTUKE
Julius Achon, the Member of Parliament for Otuke East Constituency, has earned widespread acclaim across the Lango sub-region for his bold proposal advocating for a flat-rate, non-selective payment system for the long-awaited cattle compensation.
The MP’s defining moment came last Sunday at Lango College Playground in Lira City, where he directly addressed President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni during his meeting with Lango leaders. Achon urged the President to ensure every affected household in Lango receives a standard compensation of five cows and one ox-plough, arguing that this approach would ensure fairness and avoid community division.
His proposition, which has since become a major talking point, prompted President Museveni to task the Lango leadership with selecting a delegation of 20 representatives to discuss the matter further at the State House in Entebbe.
The presidential visit, intended to engage with local leaders on various issues, was punctuated by Achon’s direct appeal. He argued that a selective verification process had previously caused tension and delays. His model of a uniform payout per household, he stated, would be a more efficient and equitable solution to one of the region’s most protracted issues.
“I respectfully urged His Excellency to consider paying at least every verified household in Lango with five cows and one ox-plough,” Achon stated. “This is not just about compensation; it is about restoring the economic livelihood of our people in a uniform and dignified manner that leaves no one behind.”
The message resonated powerfully with the community. In the days following the event, many residents from across the over nine districts of Lango have voiced their support for Achon’s stance, hailing his vision as the most practical and just solution presented to date.
“We are tired of promises and selective payments that only benefit a few. What Hon. Achon said is exactly what we all feel,” said Robert Ongom, a community elder from Lira. “His vision is the best because it includes everyone. He speaks for the common person.”
There is a growing consensus that Achon should be the one to spearhead the crucial upcoming discussions at the State House. “He is the one with the clear message that has united us. We trust him to represent our collective interest in Entebbe because he has shown he understands our pain,” commented Alice Adongo, a resident of Otuke.
This recent event has further cemented Julius Achon’s reputation as a respected and influential leader throughout the Lango sub-region. His direct and people-centric approach on this sensitive issue has significantly elevated his stature, with many now looking to him to champion a final and fair resolution to the decades-old compensation claim.
The ball is now in Lango’s court to form its delegation, with the hope that the State House meeting will finally lead to a tangible and satisfactory implementation plan for the compensation.
