386 Households to Benefit from Restocking Programme in Kitgum District
By Our Reporter
A total of 386 householdsin Kitgum District are set to benefit from a government restocking programme aimed at improving household incomes and rebuilding livestock herds in the Acholi, Lango and Teso sub-regions.
Francis Omona, Animal Husbandry Officer in the Office of the District Veterinary Officer, said the district had begun briefing local leaders and technical staff on the selection process and programme requirements following the release of national guidelines.
“We have shared the implementation guidelines with leaders from various sub-counties, including community development officers, sub-county chiefs, extension workers and security agencies, to guide proper implementation of the programme,” Omona said.
He noted that communities in the district had waited for the restocking initiative for a long time and expressed optimism that it would help restore livelihoods, especially among vulnerable households.
Under the programme, each selected household will receive Shs5 million to purchase livestock, specifically three cows and two bulls or oxen, to support milk production and crop cultivation.
The approved number for Kitgum district is 386 householdsacross72 parishes and 643 villages. Each parish will nominate at least five beneficiaries, while parishes with larger numbers of villages may receive an additional slot to ensure equitable distribution.
The total allocation for the district is estimated atShs1.93 billion, which forms part of the Shs80 billion allocated by government for restocking in the Acholi, LAngo and Teso sub-regions during the 2025/2026 financial year.
Beneficiary selection will begin at parish level, where Parish Development Committees (PDCs) will identify eligible households. Parish chiefs will coordinate the process, while security agencies will provide oversight to ensure transparency and prevent irregularities.
Selected names will be consolidated at sub-county level and approved by Sub-county Executive Committees before submission to the district restocking committee, chaired by the Chief Administrative Officer. The approved lists will then be forwarded to the Ministry of Local Government and the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance for verification.
Omona explained that further checks would be conducted by security agencies and national institutions, including verification of National Identification Numbers to ensure beneficiaries are properly registered under the Parish Development Management Information System.
Final approval will be made by the Office of the Prime Minister, which will disburse funds directly to beneficiaries through mobile money accounts.
He emphasized that all funds allocated under the programme will go directly to beneficiaries, with no deductions at district level.
Beneficiaries will be required to sign consent forms confirming their participation and commitment to use the funds strictly for purchasing livestock. The forms will include personal details, next-of-kin information and signatures from local leaders.
Eligible beneficiaries include vulnerable groups such as elderly persons, persons with disabilities, widows, widowers, orphans, former abductees and households economically marginalized due to unemployment.
Kitgum CAO Habib Abubaker, warned the implementors against working outside the guidelines and engaging in corrupt tendencies. The CAO’s warning followed reports that leaders in Labongo Amida west sub county, had already started registering beneficiaries at 7000 shillings each, before getting a directive from the CAO’s office.
“I have heard that some parish chiefs have already started to register people without my directive, and the purpose was not to register, but to corrupt the community,” Habib said.
“We are going to remove you from your work because you are sabotaging government work,” he added.
