By Diana N. Kintu
The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) has issued a clarification on the proper procedures for administering beneficiary documentation under the Cattle Restocking Programme in Acholi, Lango, and Teso sub‑regions.
According to the statement, concerns had emerged regarding irregular practices by some local government officials, particularly in Gulu City.
The programme, a Presidential directive operationalised under Cabinet Minute 406 (CT 2025) and Cabinet Minute 21 (CT 2026), provides UGX 5 million per household to eligible beneficiaries for the procurement of five animals three heifers and two bulls. It is fully financed by the Government of Uganda, with an allocation of UGX 80 billion for FY 2025/26, covering 33 local governments.
According to the statement, OPM discovered that some officials were requiring beneficiaries to sign declaration forms acknowledging receipt of funds before any payment was made. This practice was condemned as a violation of the approved implementation guidelines.
“Pre‑signing of receipt declarations creates a risk of false financial accountability, exposes vulnerable beneficiaries to fraud, and is an abuse of trust,” the statement warned.
The correct process requires that beneficiaries be identified and verified by District Technical Teams. At the parish level, the Parish Development Committee lists households and consolidates beneficiaries in line with available funds.
Verified lists are submitted to OPM through the Ministry of Local Government, after which funds are disbursed directly to each beneficiary’s bank account or registered mobile money line.
The statement emphasized that the Beneficiary Form declaration must only be signed after the full amount of UGX 5 million has been received.
Beneficiaries were strongly advised not to sign any document confirming receipt of funds they have not yet received. Any official requesting a pre‑signed declaration should be reported immediately to district authorities or directly to the OPM.
According to the statement, the Government remains committed to ensuring that all programme funds reach intended beneficiaries in full and that the Cattle Restocking Programme is implemented with the highest standards of transparency, accountability, and integrity.
The clarification is intended to safeguard the programme’s credibility and ensure that households in Acholi, Lango, and Teso benefit directly from the Presidential directive.