Lamwo District has disbursed livestock restocking funds to 438 beneficiaries under the government’s parish-based livestock recovery programme, with district leaders warning recipients to use the money strictly for purchasing cattle.
Resident District Commissioner William Komakech says 438 of the 516 approved beneficiaries had already received their payments, while the remaining beneficiaries are expected to be paid as the disbursement exercise continues.
Komakech says the payments are being processed in July despite the financial year ending in June.
He says district authorities are yet to begin verifying livestock purchases because the priority is to ensure all approved beneficiaries receive their payments before the procurement exercise starts.
Komakech cautions beneficiaries against diverting the government funds to other income-generating activities, saying the programme is intended to rebuild livestock herds and improve household incomes.
Each beneficiary is expected to purchase three heifers and two bulls, which must be retained for at least three years before they can be sold.
To prevent misuse of the funds, Komakech says beneficiaries will be required to sign consent forms witnessed by Local Council One chairpersons, Gombolola Internal Security Officers (GISOs) and parish chiefs after purchasing the animals.
The verification forms will capture details of each animal, including its colour, to enable authorities to monitor compliance with the programme requirements.
The livestock restocking programme forms part of the government’s efforts to rebuild household wealth and improve livelihoods in northern Uganda, where many communities continue to recover from years of conflict and livestock losses.
By URN
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