A consultative meeting held at the Kalaki District Council Chambers has confirmed that 805 claimants under the government’s cattle compensation program have received partial payments, marking a significant milestone in the long-awaited reparations effort.
The meeting, chaired by AugustineOtuko, the Private Secretary to the President in charge of Political Affairs, brought together key district stakeholders including local leaders, technical staff led by the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), and the Resident District Commissioner (RDC).
Otuko explained that the compensation initiative was intensified after a meeting in January last year, during which elders from Acholi raised concerns over delayed payments and alleged misappropriation of funds by government officials.
This prompted President Museveni to initiate a fact-finding mission, resulting in the release of funds to affected regions.
“So far, Shs134.7 billion has been disbursed to Acholi, Lango, and Teso regions, with Shs54.9 billion allocated to Teso alone. Kalaki district received Shs4.6 billion,” Otuko revealed.
Deputy CAO kalaki district Herbart Himigu disclosed that the compensation process in Kalaki began in 2021 under the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs.
From the registered claimants, 787 data cards were successfully paid as of June 30, 2023, amounting to over Shs1 billion. However, the process has not been without its hurdles.
“We encountered several issues including bounced payments due to invalid bank accounts, unresolved contingent liabilities, and data inconsistencies. For example, 20 payments bounced due to invalid accounts and 253 were held back over contingent liabilities,” Himigu said.
A glaring anomaly noted in the records was the entry of "39th June 2023," which listed 727 data cards paid Shs2.86 billion, sparking questions over the integrity of some documentation.
Banking issues also emerged as a key concern. Several elderly beneficiaries found their dfcu Bank accounts closed, rendering them unable to access their compensation.
The district also highlighted a lack of logistical support from the central government, which continues to impede the effective execution of the program.
Despite these setbacks, many beneficiaries have testified to the positive impact of the funds.
Charles Etuu of Otuboi Town Council said he used his Shs4.2 million to pay dowry and cover school fees.
“I thank the President for remembering us,” he said.
Francis Ocen from Kalaki Sub-County is still waiting for payment for five cows and six goats lost by his late father, Write Matia.
Meanwhile, Dominic Edongu from Lwala shared that his Shs5.7 million compensation was used for his children's education.
Another recipient, 71-year-old Selestine Emau, said he received Shs12.8 million. “I cleared tuition for my children and completed construction of my house,” he said.
As the program rolls on, Kalaki residents remain hopeful that outstanding claims will be addressed with greater transparency and speed, ensuring justice is served to all affected by past livestock losses.