Kalaki, Uganda – Hundreds of residents in Kalaki District have expressed frustration after being left out of the latest cattle compensation payout, despite being registered and verified in previous phases of the government program.
The Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs disbursed Shs 54.9 billion to the Teso Sub-region as part of the ongoing compensation for livestock lost during insurgencies and cattle raids.
Of this amount, Shs 4.6 billion was allocated to Kalaki District and paid out to 805 beneficiaries whose claims were verified and approved.
However, many registered individuals were not included in the final payment list, leading to widespread dissatisfaction.
According to district records, the government had earlier paid out Shs 1.5 billion to 787 beneficiaries in the 2022/2023 financial year and another Shs 1.25 billion to 727 beneficiaries in 2023/2024.
A further Shs 58.8 million was disbursed recently, but this still excluded many residents who had been part of the earlier verification process.
Local authorities have confirmed receiving complaints from those who were left out. In response, the District Production Department has started compiling a list of missing beneficiaries and those who received less than expected.
The list will be submitted to the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs for review and possible consideration in the next phase of payments.
Some beneficiaries have also reported inconsistencies in the amounts received compared to what was recorded on their official forms.
The Chief Administrative Officer’s office has directed affected individuals to report such cases with evidence for verification.
The Private Secretary to the President, who oversaw the recent payout exercise in Kalaki, acknowledged the concerns and stated that the compensation program is still ongoing.
He assured residents that those who missed out will be considered in the next round, depending on the availability of funds and verification of claims.
Kalaki District leaders have called for a more transparent process in future payments to avoid exclusion of genuine claimants.
They are also urging beneficiaries to use the compensation funds wisely, as the money is intended to help restore livelihoods lost during the past conflicts.
Reports from the community indicate mixed reactions regarding how the funds were used.
While some beneficiaries reportedly used the money for productive purposes such as paying school fees, investing in agriculture, or restocking animals, others allegedly spent the funds irresponsibly.
The cattle compensation program is part of a broader government initiative targeting affected sub-regions, including Teso, Acholi and Lango.
The aim is to provide restitution for livestock lost during periods of conflict, which had long-term economic impacts on rural communities.
In Kalaki, livestock remains a key source of livelihood. Many residents depend on cattle for income, farming, and family sustenance.
As such, the compensation is viewed not only as financial support but also as a form of justice for past losses.
The district authorities continue to collect and verify claims for those still awaiting payment.
Local leaders have urged residents to remain patient while the process continues and promised to follow up with relevant government ministries to ensure no eligible person is left out.
