The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) has issued a stern warning to local government officials over alleged irregular handling of beneficiary documentation under the Cattle Restocking Programme, following reports of improper payment procedures in parts of Acholi, Lango and Teso sub-regions.
In a statement dated 8 April 2026, OPM expressed concern over what it described as violations in the management of beneficiary declaration forms, particularly in Gulu City where officials are accused of requiring beneficiaries to sign for funds before actually receiving them.
“The Office of the Prime Minister wishes to address concerns that have emerged regarding the improper administration of beneficiary documentation under the Cattle Restocking Programme currently being implemented in the Acholi, Lango and Teso sub-regions for the Financial Year 2025/26,” the statement reads.
The programme, implemented under Presidential directive and anchored in Cabinet Minute 406 (CT 2025) and Cabinet Minute 21 (CT 2026), targets households across 33 local governments. Each beneficiary is entitled to Shs 5 million to purchase five cattle, consisting of three heifers and two bulls.
OPM noted that the programme is fully government-funded, with Shs 80 billion allocated for the 2025/26 financial year. Funds are disbursed directly to verified beneficiaries through bank accounts or registered mobile money platforms.
However, the office warned that emerging deviations from the agreed guidelines risk undermining transparency and exposing vulnerable beneficiaries to exploitation.
“It has come to the attention of OPM that in certain areas, notably Gulu City, some local government officials are requiring beneficiaries to sign declaration forms acknowledging receipt of funds before any payment is made,” the statement notes.
The Prime Minister’s Office strongly condemned the practice, describing it as a serious breach of procedure.
“This practice is a direct violation of the approved Programme Implementation Guidelines and is firmly condemned,” OPM stated.
The office further cautioned that such actions distort accountability systems and create room for fraud, false reporting, and abuse of public trust.
OPM reiterated that the correct implementation chain begins with beneficiary identification at parish level through Parish Development Committees, followed by consolidation by Chief Administrative Officers and submission through the Ministry of Local Government before final disbursement by OPM.
It stressed that declaration forms are strictly post-payment documents.
“The declaration on the Beneficiary Form constitutes an acknowledgement of receipt and must only be signed after the full amount of UGX 5,000,000 has been received by the beneficiary,” the statement clarified.
OPM also urged beneficiaries to be vigilant and resist any attempts by officials to bypass proper procedures.
“Beneficiaries are strongly advised not to sign any document confirming receipt of funds they have not yet received,” the office warned.
It further directed that any official demanding premature signatures should be reported immediately to district authorities or directly to OPM.
Reaffirming its position, OPM said government remains committed to ensuring full transparency in the implementation of the Cattle Restocking Programme and safeguarding public funds.
It emphasized that all allocations must reach intended beneficiaries without diversion, manipulation, or administrative interference.
“The Government of Uganda remains firmly committed to ensuring that all programme funds reach intended beneficiaries in full and that the Cattle Restocking Programme is implemented with the highest standards of transparency, accountability and integrity,” the statement concluded.
