By Haron Okwir
During a District Internal Security Committee meeting in Otuke on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, local leaders expressed frustration that Lango risks being left behind in a programme intended to restore livelihoods and end decades of cattle rustling–related claims.
LCIII chairpersons, Resident District Commissioners, and security officials attended the meeting, where most welcomed the president’s proposal to compensate households with cattle as the most practical solution to war debt claims.
Ogwete Sub-County chairperson Peter Okweda said the delays were a result of poor cooperation among leaders in the sub-region.
He noted that while in Acholi and Teso the programme was already progressing well, Lango leaders were still dragging their feet.
Okwongo Town Council chairperson John Bosco Olwit Da Gama also expressed disappointment with leaders who were still pursuing legal battles in court.
He said this was unnecessary since President Museveni had already clarified during a meeting at Lango College last month that household-based compensation was the most effective approach.
Okwang Sub-County chairperson Zadock Odongo, who also coordinates the Lango War Claimants, urged government to allocate a substantial budget to cover all households.
He advised fellow leaders to put politics aside, arguing that only the president had the authority to make the final decision on the matter.
Otuke LCV chairperson Abola Francis, however, declined to make a clear comment.
He said he remained torn between the two approaches – those advocating for court processes and those supporting household compensation – which made it difficult for him to take a position.
Assistant RDC Isaac Opio Opeo supported the household compensation proposal, saying it had been widely embraced by the public.
He advised leaders to accelerate the process to ensure communities benefit from it as soon as possible.
RDC Erick Masiga, who chaired the meeting, described the programme as a strategic intervention to conclude earlier restocking initiatives and a tool to fight poverty.
He warned that while Acholi and Teso were already implementing the programme, Lango was still lagging behind, and urged leaders to act quickly to avoid being left out.
Masiga further commended President Museveni for prioritising peace and security and pledged his continued support to the NRM government.