By KT Reporter
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has reassured the people of Sebei and Bugisu that the government will compensate and restock families that lost their cattle during the historical raids in the region. While addressing a gathering during his recent tour of the Sebei sub-region, President Museveni said the affected communities will receive support similar to what was extended to Teso, Lango, and Acholi under the government restocking program.
The President acknowledged that Sebei and Bugisu were among the areas severely affected by cattle rustling in past decades, but noted that earlier interventions did not fully reach the victims. He pledged that the government will now ensure fair compensation and restoration of livelihoods.
“I have not forgotten you. Just like we helped our people in Teso, Lango and Acholi, Sebei and Bugisu will also be restocked. This time we shall ensure that everyone who lost their cattle is supported,” President Museveni said. Local leaders and residents have, however, expressed mixed reactions to the announcement, saying similar promises have been made in the past without tangible follow-up.
Paul Majinjach Kapchemaiko, the NRM candidate for the Kween District LC V chairperson seat, welcomed the President’s renewed commitment but urged the government to act swiftly. “The President has talked about this issue several times. We are happy he mentioned it again, and since he said he’s serving his last term, we hope this time it will be implemented. People have waited for long, and trust now depends on delivery,” Majinjach said.
The Sebei and Bugisu regions lost thousands of heads of cattle during the prolonged raids that affected the northeastern corridor of Uganda in the 1980s and 1990s. Many households have since struggled to recover economically. During his campaigns, President Museveni also emphasized wealth creation programs, encouraging households to engage in commercial agriculture, dairy farming, and enterprise development as key pathways to prosperity.
The President’s renewed pledge has rekindled cautious optimism among communities, who say they are ready to cooperate with government once the restocking exercise begins.
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