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Nine major reforms unveiled to strengthen transparency in livestock restocking
30 September 2026, 6:48 pm
By Eman Yonah Oruk
Parliament yesterday considered nine major reforms aimed at ending corruption and strengthening transparency in the government’s livestock restocking programme.
The reforms were presented in a report by the Chairperson of the Committee on Presidential Affairs, Martin Ojara Mapenduzi On 29th, September 2026 who emphasised the need for accountability and fairness in the distribution of resources.
The proposed reforms include:
- Public verification of beneficiaries at parish level to eliminate duplicate entries and political interference.
- Clear allocation criteria to ensure fairness among districts.
- Local monitoring funds, with 3% of disbursed money set aside for coordination.
- Complaints system to allow traceable appeals.
- Cattle quality inspection before purchase to guarantee health and breeding standards.
- Ownership and pricing controls to curb inflated costs.
- Veterinary support including drugs, vaccines, and surveillance.
- Post-distribution support for households for two years to prevent distress sales.
- Cooperatives and exit strategy to strengthen livestock groups and ensure timely programme closure.
Hon. Mapenduzi revealed discrepancies in allocations, citing Nwoya District where 14 households were listed per parish but only 13 could be entered into the payment system, leaving one household excluded.
Maruzi County MP, Hon. Peter Obong Acuda, criticised the inclusion of GISOs and RDCs in vetting committees, saying their dual role in monitoring and enforcement creates conflicts of interest. He argued that recovered funds should be returned directly to rightful beneficiaries instead of being kept as police exhibits.
Kwania District Woman MP, Hon. Auma Kenny, questioned the criteria used to select beneficiaries, warning against concentration of benefits within individual families. She stressed that Northern Uganda, having suffered for over two decades, deserves fair and inclusive support.
Kilak County MP, Hon. Gilbert Oulanya, condemned discrimination against livestock traders in Northern Uganda, noting that while Balalo herders are allowed to sell freely, locals face restrictions when moving their animals.
Additionally, Hon. Rose Lilly Akello, Woman MP for Karenga District, called for stronger veterinary services to prevent disease outbreaks that undermine restocking efforts. She emphasised that without veterinary support, the programme risks collapsing.
Hon. Jalameso Fred, Ajuri County MP, urged government to fast-track the complaints system, saying unresolved grievances fuel mistrust and weaken community confidence in the programme.
