President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has proposed the formation of a select committee of trusted representatives from the Lango sub-region to directly engage the government on the long-standing issue of livestock compensation.

Addressing leaders and residents at Lango College grounds on Sunday 17th August, 2025, Museveni acknowledged widespread frustration over corruption and delays in the program, which was launched in March 2022 with a budget of UGX 200 billion.

“I was recently in Soroti and heard the same concerns. I think the best way now is for you to select very reliable people who will represent you in Kampala so that we can conclude this matter once and for all,” Museveni said.

According to the President, the process was originally compromised when lawyers inflated claims and pocketed money meant for beneficiaries.

“That is why we insisted on direct payments. So far, 169 billion shillings has been spent. But we still need 506 billion shillings for verified claims and another 275 billion shillings for unverified ones – close to 800 billion shillings in total,” he said.

Local leaders and residents accused the current system of corruption and inefficiency. Mzee Angello Okello, one of the original petitioners, said lawyers had taken advantage and stolen money meant for the poor.

The Paramount Chief of Lango, Eng Dr Moses Odongo Okune (Won Nyaci), praised the President for initiating the program but pressed for swift action.

“The heads of families who lost cattle have, in many cases, passed away, leaving children and grandchildren still waiting. Let us take decisive action so that this matter has a beginning and an end,” Dr Okune said.

Deputy Attorney General Hon. Jackson Kafuuzi reported that since 2014, only UGX 2.5 billion had been released to Lango, with some payments blocked due to invalid accounts, double claims, or inconsistent data.

Hon Dr Samuel Opio Acuti (MP, Kole North), presenting a memorandum on behalf of Lango leaders, called for payment of all verified claimants in no more than three installments, inclusion of those omitted, and a clear timeline for the program’s conclusion.

Alongside compensation, Museveni announced support measures for Lango, including a bus for footballers, UGX 50 million for the Agong Foundation of Lango Queen Margaret Odwar, and UGX 550 million for the SACCO of clan heads under the Lango cultural institution.

He also congratulated the newly elected Paramount Chief Dr. Okune and pledged continued support to former leader Mzee Yosam Odur.

The meeting, which drew ministers, MPs, district leaders, and cultural figures.