The Ugandan government has spoken out in response to the escalating “No Cow, No Vote” campaign launched by opposition leaders in the Teso sub-region, aimed at protesting the slow and inconsistent compensation of war claimants whose cattle were lost during the insurgencies of the 1980s and 1990s.
Addressing journalists at Soroti Hotel on Friday, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Norbert Mao admitted that the compensation process has been marred by delays, underfunding, and poor communication.
He called for increased government funding and transparency to ease tensions and rebuild trust with the affected communities.
“We have requested that in the next financial year, at least UGX 150 billion be allocated to cattle compensation,” Mao said.
“So far, the government has only been releasing tokens, UGX 30 billion, and later UGX 50 billion, for three major regions: Teso, Lango, and Acholi. This is inadequate and insulting.”
The minister condemned reports that some claimants have received as little as UGX 300,000, calling it “ridiculous and unacceptable.”
“At that amount, you can’t even buy a big goat, let alone a cow,” Mao added. “The minimum valuation for a cow is UGX 1.1 million.”
He acknowledged that the payment system had improved in recent years, but said communication gaps continue to frustrate the claimants.
“In reality, some people have received compensation, but the public only hears about the smallest payments,” Mao said.
“Those who’ve been compensated tend to stay silent, while those left out have every right to be loud.”
Mao pledged that the government would compile and distribute detailed lists at local levels indicating: Who has been paid fully, Who has been partially paid, Who has been assessed but not yet paid and Who has applied but not yet been approved
He also noted that some legal fees being demanded by law firms representing claimants are excessive.
“Some lawyers are asking for UGX 50 billion for their services, others even want a percentage of the compensation awarded. This is not sustainable. The President has directed us to negotiate reasonable payments with these lawyers,” Mao stated.
He emphasized that the goal of the cattle compensation initiative is national healing, not just financial restitution.
“The guns are silent, yes, but there can be no lasting peace without economic justice. Compensation is a key pillar of rebuilding trust and unity in post-conflict regions like Teso,” Mao said.
Meanwhile, mounting pressure from the opposition protests has forced Capt. Mike Mukula, the NRM National Vice Chairperson for Eastern Uganda, to schedule a special radio address to speak directly to the people of Teso.
According to a notice circulated by his media team, Mukula will address the region at 7 PM on several major radio stations including: Voice of Teso (VOT) owned by Capt. Mukula himself, Etop Radio, a government-aligned station in Soroti City and Mama Bukedea Radio, owned by Speaker of Parliament Anita Among
The address is expected to focus on the government’s efforts regarding cattle compensation and broader plans to support war-affected communities in the sub-region.
Mukula’s move comes after days of nationwide attention on the arrests of FDC President Patrick Amuriat, Soroti City Woman MP Joan Alobo, and Soroti West MP Jonathan Ebwalu, and others during the opposition-led protest in Soroti City demanding full compensation for Teso war claimants.
They leaders are still being detained at East Kyoga Regional Police Headquarters.
The “No Cow, No Vote” campaign has gained significant traction in Teso, with many residents expressing frustration over years of delayed promises, partial payments, and perceived government neglect.
As 2026 elections approach, analysts say the issue could prove pivotal in shaping political allegiances in eastern Uganda.
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