The State Minister for Works and incumbent Member of Parliament for Amuria County, Hon. Musa Francis Ecweru, has praised President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for fulfilling his pledge to address the long-standing cattle compensation demands of the Teso sub-region.
Minister Ecweru’s remarks came after President Museveni’s recent visit to Soroti University, where he met Teso leaders and announced a comprehensive plan to restock and rehabilitate cattle in the region.
Speaking at a press briefing held at May 7 Resort in Kampswahili, Soroti City, Minister Ecweru began by thanking God for the successful visit, and expressed gratitude to the people of Teso for responding positively to the President’s call.
He also applauded Vice President, Maj. (Rtd) Jesca Alupo Epel, for coordinating the program smoothly, and acknowledged the contribution of various leaders who attended and shared their concerns.
The compensation program has been ongoing, with several beneficiaries testifying to having received payments ranging from UGX 2 million to UGX 92 million.
However, Ecweru highlighted the challenges and mismanagement that marred earlier phases of the compensation, particularly the involvement of multiple groups of lawyers, some of whom diverted funds.
“We realized the money these lawyers demanded could have compensated entire districts of Teso,” he noted.
In his submission, Ecweru urged the government to prioritize households directly affected by cattle rustling, suggesting that each person above 18 years should be given a zebu heifer valued at UGX 1.5 million.
He emphasized that cattle were once a communal asset in Teso, and restoring them would revive livelihoods.
The Minister expressed concern about lack of transparency in the payment process, which has often left leaders without evidence to defend the government.
He cautioned that only three parties the Ministry of Justice, the banks, and the claimant groups seem to control the process, sometimes leaving genuine beneficiaries shortchanged.
Ecweru had recently called upon district leaders, including LC5 chairpersons from Serere, Amuria, and Katakwi, to engage the President directly on shifting from cash compensation to restocking cattle making his call successful as he started engaging the president during the cabinet meetings
He further urged government to support NARO’s breeding centre in Serere District, so that local zebu cattle can be crossbred with resilient Indian Jersey breeds, boosting milk production and disease resistance.
Looking ahead, Ecweru revealed that a new Teso Restocking and Rehabilitation Committee will soon be established, headed by the State Minister for Teso Affairs, Hon. Kenneth Ongalo Obote, MP for Kalaki County.
The committee will include youth, elders, and religious leaders, as directed by the President.
Government has so far earmarked UGX 50 billion for war victims, but under the revised plan, each person above 18 years will receive one heifer.
Those who already benefited in the past program will not be eligible this time.
The Minister assured the people of Teso that this program is genuine and not a political maneuver.
He also apologized to 18 Amuria district councilors who were barred from attending the President’s address at Soroti University due to internal administrative disputes, promising such incidents would not recur.
“Those using this issue for politics should look elsewhere,the government is now ready to restore the dignity of the people of Teso through cattle restocking and rehabilitation.” Ecweru concluded
For Any Inquiries, Advertising or If You have A news story contact us on 0785674642 or email tesonewsnetwork@gmail.com
About Author
