“The Cows Are Coming” : Soroti District RDC Assures Residents as Restocking Program in Teso Begins.

By Peterson Hiirya.

The Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Soroti District, Hajji Imran Muluga, has assured residents that the livestock restocking programme is set to commence this week, with the first batch of beneficiaries expected to receive funds.

Speaking to local leaders and residents, Muluga explained that the programme relies on the information system used to process and deliver funds to PDM beneficiaries.

However, he noted that network challenges in some rural sub-counties have slowed down data processing and verification.

“The system requires internet connectivity, and some of our rural sub-counties experience poor network coverage. In some cases, officials have had to move to trading centres to access a stable network, which has caused slight delays,” Muluga said.

Despite the challenges, he commended local leaders and technical teams for working diligently to ensure that the verification process is completed within the required timelines.

According to the RDC, the Ministry of Finance is expected to begin releasing funds to the first 400 beneficiaries this week. He outlined the rigorous verification process, which starts at the parish level where a seven-member committee, including representatives of youth, persons with disabilities, elders, and the Parish Development Committee (PDC), compiles and submits beneficiary lists.

The lists are then reviewed by technical resource persons in the office of the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to ensure compliance with programme guidelines. Afterward, they are forwarded to the District Internal Security Officer (DISO), whose office, together with intelligence personnel and Gombolola Internal Security Officers (GISOs), conducts further verification

“Once the intelligence teams are satisfied that the process has been transparent and credible, the lists are forwarded through the relevant ministries up to the Ministry of Finance for final approval and payment,” Muluga explained.

He revealed that the district leadership has worked in record time and expressed confidence that all approved beneficiaries under the current phase of the livestock restocking programme will receive funds  before June 30.

To enhance transparency, the RDC said beneficiary lists will be publicly displayed to enable residents to verify information and monitor the process.

“As a leadership and security team, we shall continue monitoring beneficiaries to ensure that the funds are used for their intended purpose,” he said.

Muluga appealed to residents to remain patient, emphasizing that the number of beneficiaries will increase with each financial year. He added that priority is currently being given to the most vulnerable members of the community.

The RDC encouraged beneficiaries to use the funds to purchase livestock such as cattle, goats, and sheep, noting that livestock farming remains a key driver of economic growth in the Teso sub-region.

“When you receive the money, kindly buy the animals. We have many livestock markets across Teso. By investing in cattle, goats, and sheep, we shall improve livelihoods, strengthen our economy, and uplift our communities,” he said.

He concluded by urging technical officers, political leaders, and community members to support the programme and help disseminate accurate information to the public.

The livestock restocking and rehabilitation program was announced by  President museveni  with each household expected to receive five cows.