In the rolling plains of Kapelebyong, where the sound of cattle once defined daily life, hope is grazing its way back. As President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni took his 2026–2031 campaign trail to the Teso Sub-region, he brought with him a message that resonated deeply with the region’s historical scars, a promise to restore the herds that once symbolized wealth, dignity, and community pride.
Addressing thousands of residents at St. Francis Secondary School in Acumet, Museveni unveiled what he described as a “democratic livestock restocking programme”, a new plan that will see every homestead across Teso, Lango, and Acholi receive at least five cows. The initiative, he said, would mark the beginning of a new chapter in the region’s economic and social transformation.
“I recently met your leaders and asked why we don’t have a democratic formula for restocking. I proposed that each homestead should receive five cows. The majority supported it, and I have instructed the government to plan for it,” Museveni told cheering crowds.
The President’s remarks struck an emotional chord in a region that endured decades of cattle raids and insurgencies, leaving thousands impoverished and disempowered. His proposal seeks to restore household wealth, stimulate agricultural productivity, and revive the pride of the Teso cattle corridor, a place where a man’s herd once defined his prosperity.
Reclaiming the Lost Herds
For many, Museveni’s announcement was more than a campaign promise, it was a pledge of justice and restoration. Cattle rustling, exacerbated by insurgencies in the 1980s and 1990s, decimated livelihoods across eastern and northern Uganda. The President acknowledged that previous restocking initiatives had been uneven and sometimes politicized, pledging transparency and fairness this time around.
“This will be a fair and transparent way to ensure every family benefits from Uganda’s progress,” he said.
A Vision for Rural Transformation
The restocking plan fits within the NRM’s broader manifesto focus on wealth creation and rural empowerment. Museveni said it complements ongoing programmes such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga, both designed to turn rural households into productive economic units.
Kapelebyong itself stands as a quiet testimony to these interventions, with over 17,000 households benefiting from Shs 17 billion disbursed under PDM and nearly Shs 920 million invested in Emyooga SACCOs. The district has also received Shs 3.9 billion in compensation for families affected by past cattle raids.
Accountability and Infrastructure
But Museveni didn’t stop at restocking. He addressed a perennial grievance in Teso, poor road maintenance.
He revealed that although Shs 1.3 billion is allocated annually to each district for road works, corruption and inefficiency have crippled results.
“Some roads are not maintained, and when they are, they do it carelessly, just grading without drainage. I am going to deal with them,” he vowed, calling for stronger accountability in local government operations.
He also noted the remarkable expansion in education and health facilities under NRM leadership, citing Kapelebyong’s 10 secondary schools and ongoing plans to upgrade health centres and expand clean water access through the new Town Piped Water Project, which now serves over 3,000 residents.
Free Education and Shared Vision
Accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni, the President reiterated NRM’s next phase in education reform, eliminating all school fees in government-aided primary and secondary schools.
“In the coming Kisanja, all teachers will be paid by government, and parents will not have to pay any fees,” Mrs. Museveni affirmed. “That’s why it’s important to support President Museveni and the NRM.”
Peace, Progress, and the Promise of Tomorrow
Museveni reflected on Teso’s long journey from conflict to peace, recalling the region’s transformation since the disarmament of cattle rustlers in 2007. He credited peace as the foundation of the region’s current development trajectory.
“Since 2007, Uganda has enjoyed peace. We defeated the rebels and disarmed cattle rustlers. That is why we can now talk about wealth creation,” he said.
As the rally concluded under the theme “Protecting the Gains as We Make a Qualitative Leap into High Middle-Income Status,” Teso’s message to Museveni was equally clear, gratitude for the progress made, and anticipation for the new dawn promised.
“NRM is Uganda’s party, building Uganda and ensuring that all our children live better lives than we did,” Museveni said, waving to an energized crowd that chanted his name in rhythm with drums of hope.
