Lango MPs Demand Parish Chief’s Allowance to End Restocking Corruption.

2 October 2026, 10:47 am

By Finellah Akullu Opio

Members of Parliament from Lango sub-region have demanded an immediate overhaul of the government’s livestock restocking program, warning that rampant corruption and fraud during the distribution of funds are depriving intended beneficiaries of compensation.

The lawmakers raised their concerns during a parliamentary session reviewing a committee oversight report on government compensation programs for lost livestock across Lango, Acholi, and Teso sub-regions.

Bernard Otim Odoch, the Member of Parliament for Maruzi North, criticized the government for allocating substantial funds toward cattle compensation while entrusting disbursement to sub-county chiefs (Jan-jagi) who earn a modest salary of Shs 420,000.

He noted that low pay renders officers vulnerable to corruption and extortion, while many legitimate claimants remain omitted from official verification lists.

“If the government is serious about ending corruption in the restocking program, it must increase the allowances or salaries of sub-county chiefs managing these disbursements,” Otim stated, warning that kickbacks and embezzlement will persist without financial incentives for field officers.

Maruzi County MP, Peter Obong Acuda questioned why funds from arrested civil servants are taken to Police Station instead of directing it to the intended beneficiaries.

He urged the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries to relax strict regulations governing inter-district livestock movement, noting that many compensated individuals are unable to buy cattle locally.

Acuda further demanded the removal of Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) and District Internal Security Officers (DISOs) from oversight teams, alleging that some security officials insert their relatives onto beneficiary registers.

Kwania District Woman MP, Kenny Auma Lapat criticized the selection process, noting that in many communities, only a handful of households receive funds while eligible, historically affected families are bypassed.

Moroto County MP Leo Elem highlighted inflation in livestock prices, pointing out that current market rates force beneficiaries who receive compensation for five cows to spend the entire sum purchasing just one animal.

Geoffrey Ocen Kiring, MP for Kyoga North County, urged Parliament to extend the restocking program timeline and empower Village Chairpersons (LC1) through community accountability forums (Baraza), arguing that local leaders possess the most accurate records.

Dr. Eunice Apio Otuku, MP for Oyam North, reported receiving complaints from seven livestock traders who were blocked from transporting cattle into Oyam District despite purchasing them with legitimate compensation funds, calling on Parliament to enact policies allowing free movement of restocked animals.

In response, Government Chief Whip, Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero, assured lawmakers that the caucus will utilize the parliamentary committee’s findings to rectify administrative flaws identified in the first and second phases of the restocking program.

Second Deputy Prime Minister and Deputy Leader of Government Business in Parliament, Dr. Crispus Walter Kiyonga, requested that lawmakers defer further debate to allow the executive time to review the committee’s recommendation and formulate a comprehensive policy response.