Minister Ogwang Pushes For Shs 2.5m Per Cow As Government Rolls Out Massive Restocking Drive

 January 1, 2026   |    79 views

By Our Reporter

AKOBOI SUBCOUNTY- Ngariam County MP and Minister of State for Education and Sports (Sports), Hon. Peter Ogwang, has proposed that government caps cattle restocking payments at Shs 2.5 million per cow, arguing that the figure reflects the true market value of quality livestock.

Addressing a campaign rally at Akoboi Catholic Church in Akoboi Sub County, Ogwang said the long-awaited restocking programme was non-negotiable, but warned against undervaluing farmers’ animals.
“I am a cattle farmer myself. You can’t come and buy my cow at Shs 1 million. Never. That is why we are engaging the responsible ministry to ensure each cow is valued at Shs 2.5 million,” Ogwang said.

Shs 76 Billion Set Aside for Restocking

Hon Ogwang’s remarks come as government prepares to roll out a major livestock restocking programme targeting Teso, Acholi and Lango sub-regions, aimed at rebuilding household livelihoods and boosting rural economies.

While addressing residents at a separate rally in Adungulu Parish, Okore Sub County recently, the minister revealed that government has allocated Shs 76 billion to kick-start the initiative, describing it as a deliberate intervention to restore productive assets to vulnerable households.
“This is a government programme meant to revive livelihoods, not politics,” Ogwang emphasized.

Millions Of Households To Benefit

According to government projections, the programme is expected to benefit over 1.6 million households across the three sub-regions by improving income generation, nutrition and food security.

How The Restocking Fund Has Been Allocated:

Lango will receive Shs 28.4 billion
Acholi will get Shs 23.3 billion
Teso will take Shs 24.2 billion

The funds will be distributed based on population size and verified household data.

*LCs To Lead Beneficiary Registration

Hon Ogwang said government has already issued clear operational guidelines to ensure transparency and accountability in the identification of beneficiaries.

He urged Local Council (LC) leaders to take charge of registering eligible households once districts give clearance, noting that they are best placed to identify genuine beneficiaries at the grassroots.
“Once the district gives the go-ahead, I want LC leaders to register all eligible people,” he said.

Mobile Money Payments, Not Politics

The minister also cautioned residents against misinformation surrounding the programme, dismissing claims that it was tied to voting choices.
“Some people  have been misleading you saying ‘No cow, no vote’. Now the cows are coming. What will they say?” Ogwang asked.

He explained that payments for cattle will be made via mobile money, using beneficiaries’ numbers registered in their own names — a move aimed at ensuring efficiency, transparency and accountability.

Boost To Rural Recovery

Officials say the restocking programme will provide a major boost to farmers and pastoralists by restoring livestock as a key economic asset, strengthening household incomes and cushioning communities against poverty and economic shocks.

Residents across Ngariam and the wider Teso sub-region have welcomed the announcement, expressing hope that successful implementation will mark a turning point in grassroots economic recovery.