Kampala, Uganda: The government has commenced disbursement of funds under the Cattle Restocking Programme, with 559 households in the Acholi, Lango and Teso sub-regions already receiving a combined UGX 2.8 billion to rebuild livestock holdings.
The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) announced on Monday that implementation of the programme for the 2025/26 Financial Year is progressing steadily, with 11,504 beneficiaries already uploaded onto the Parish Development Committee Management Information System (PDMIS) out of the targeted 16,000 households.
According to OPM, this represents 71.9 percent progress in beneficiary registration and verification.
Presenting a status update at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala, Permanent Secretary Alex Kakooza said government has allocated UGX 80 billion for the programme during the current financial year.
“In FY 2025/26, UGX 80 billion has been provided for the payment of 16,000 beneficiary households who will each receive UGX 5,000,000 for the purchase of five cows, comprising three heifers and two bulls,” Kakooza said.
The programme follows guidance issued by President Yoweri Museveni in November 2025, after which Cabinet approved operational guidelines for implementation.
Direct Payments to Beneficiaries
Under the programme, beneficiaries are identified at parish level by Parish Development Committees before being uploaded onto the PDMIS for verification and approval.
Government says all payments are being made directly to verified beneficiaries through the PearlBank-Wendi mobile wallet platform to enhance transparency and accountability.
The Office of the Prime Minister expects to complete the first phase of disbursements to all 16,000 targeted households by June 30, 2026.
OPM Warns Against Fraud
The Office of the Prime Minister has cautioned beneficiaries against fraudsters seeking to exploit the programme.
“No funds are handled by parish chiefs and parish development committees. Beneficiaries are advised not to sign or thumbprint any document confirming receipt of funds before the funds are credited to their registered account or mobile money number,” the statement said.
The ministry emphasized that all beneficiaries undergo verification through established government systems before payments are processed.
“Programme guidelines provide for verification through established Government systems before direct payment to beneficiaries to ensure transparency and accountability,” OPM noted.
Four Districts Yet to Upload Beneficiary Lists
Despite the progress, implementation has faced delays in four districts — Lamwo, Nwoya, Pader and Agago — which are yet to upload verified beneficiary data.
According to OPM, the delay is affecting verification processes and subsequent payments to intended beneficiaries.
“All district leaders and technical teams are urged to expedite the submission and upload of verified beneficiary data to avoid further delays,” the statement said.
The Office of the Prime Minister also called upon political and technical leaders across the 33 participating local governments to remain vigilant during beneficiary selection, verification and programme monitoring.
The Cattle Restocking Programme targets households in Acholi, Lango and Teso sub-regions, where livestock losses over the years significantly affected household incomes and livelihoods.
Government officials say the intervention is intended to restore productive assets, improve household earnings and contribute to long-term socio-economic transformation in the affected communities.
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