President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has explained why the government temporarily halted the mass cattle compensation programme across the Lango, Acholi, and Teso sub-regions, assuring leaders that the funds are secure and payments will resume after proper verification.

Addressing over 50,000 NRM leaders and LC I chairpersons from the Acholi sub-region on Friday at Awich PTC in Gulu City, the President said over Shs80 billion had already been approved for the compensation exercise. However, he ordered a temporary suspension after it was discovered that the beneficiary lists had not been independently verified.

“The money is already on the account, but we realised that the list was not clean. Verification is ongoing to ensure the funds are not stolen. Once the exercise is complete, payment will be effected after the elections,” President Museveni said.

The President further revealed that a similar compensation and restocking exercise will be extended to the West Nile sub-region, following concerns raised by leaders over losses suffered during past conflicts.

The NRM presidential flag bearer, president Museveni meets Acholi leaders in Gulu city. Clip by Ronald Odongo.

“While meeting our leaders from West Nile, they complained that they also suffered from war and should be compensated. I agreed with them. We need more cows in Uganda,” Museveni noted.

Meanwhile, President Museveni reiterated his call for Ugandans living abroad to return home and contribute to national development, saying the country now has the capacity to support wealth creation.

He openly expressed support for U.S. President Donald Trump’s mass deportation policy, arguing that it sends a clear message to Africans to focus on building their own countries.

“I like Mr. Trump because he said, ‘Don’t come to America.’ I thank him for chasing people away. Why go there when you can develop your own country?” Museveni remarked.

The President emphasized that Uganda’s progress is anchored on strong institutions, peace, and stability.

“Love Uganda, love Africa. That is how we built a strong NRM party, a strong army, police force, civil service, and judiciary,” he said.

He questioned why some Ugandans abandon productive regions in search of opportunities abroad, adding, “How do you leave West Nile and go to Dubai? It does not add up.”

President Museveni made the remarks during a separate meeting with NRM leaders from all districts of the West Nile sub-region at Muni University playgrounds in Arua City, aimed at redeploying party structures to intensify campaign activities and popularise the NRM manifesto ahead of next week’s national elections.

During the engagement, the President highlighted key achievements under the NRM, including peace and stability, industrialisation, job creation, infrastructure development, and improved access to education and health services. He also urged West Nile leaders to champion peace, warning against a return to instability that previously stalled development in the region.

“You saw what war did here. You live near Congo and South Sudan, which are still unstable. West Nile cadres should move around Uganda and tell people to stop playing around,” he said.

The President concluded by confirming that West Nile will be included in the planned cattle restocking programme for Northern Uganda, which initially covered Acholi, Lango, and Teso.

“About restocking, we shall plan for it. It is not a problem. It is good news,” Museveni affirmed.