By Mulengera Reporters
The Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs is requesting UGX473 billion to compensate claimants from the Acholi, Lango, and Teso sub-regions for cattle lost during the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) conflict in Northern Uganda.
The plea was presented by Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister, Nobert Mao, on January 16, 2025, before the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee. Mao urged Members of Parliament (MPs) to support the allocation, emphasizing that the issue is politically sensitive in light of the upcoming general elections, where it remains a key concern in these regions.
“We need the Committee’s backing to ensure this money is included in the national budget. The compensation of verified cattle claimants totals UGX473.3 billion. We are requesting UGX100 billion for the upcoming financial year,” Mao stated.
He further noted, “As we approach an election year, it is crucial that we address this issue. The regions seeking compensation are among the poorest, according to UBOS data. This compensation could help reduce poverty and foster national unity.”
According to documents submitted to the Committee, the Ministry has already paid UGX16.14 billion to 11,250 cattle claimants from Acholi, Lango, and Teso as of December 2024.
Mao also appealed to MPs to avoid public embarrassment by ensuring the necessary funds are approved. He warned that if the money is not secured, the Ministry would be forced to publicly point the finger at Parliament for failing to allocate the funds.
“If we fail to secure this money, we will have to tell the public that MPs have blocked these funds. The Budget is the law, and the Appropriation Bill is passed by Parliament, so let us make sure this issue is prioritized,” he said.
Bosco Okiror, MP for Usuk County, called on his colleagues to support the Ministry’s request, suggesting a UGX150 billion allocation, with UGX50 billion for each of the three sub-regions—Acholi, Lango, and Teso.
“I urge you, colleagues, to consider pushing for UGX150 billion, as this issue is central to the concerns of these three regions,” Okiror said.
Santa Alum, MP for Oyam DWR, acknowledged Parliament’s responsibility in ensuring the funds are made available but pressed the Minister to explain what actions he has taken to secure the compensation funds.
“You’ve said the compensation is long overdue, and while Parliament has the duty to appropriate the funds, what have you done to ensure this money is allocated?” Alum asked.
Jonathan Odur, MP for Erute South, objected to Mao’s attempt at emotional pressure, particularly the suggestion that MPs would be blamed if the compensation fails. He reminded the Minister that Parliament had previously clashed with the Executive over national budget allocations, and asked for clarification on Parliament’s powers in the budgeting process.
“If the Minister claims we will be blamed for failing to provide the funds, we need to understand the exact role Parliament plays in the budgeting process, especially after the Executive and Parliament have had disagreements on this matter,” Odur said.
Odur also raised concerns about the discrepancy between court-approved claimants and those relying on political pronouncements from President Museveni, who had promised cattle compensation during his campaigns. He asked Mao to clarify how the Ministry is handling these two groups.
“Some claimants are based on court orders, while others are relying on the President’s campaign promises. How does the Ministry differentiate between these groups, and how are they being addressed?” Odur inquired.
In response, Minister Mao acknowledged the mishandling of the cattle compensation process, including corruption within the Ministry. He revealed that some Ministry staff had been involved in demanding bribes from claimants to expedite payments.
“This issue has been mishandled, and corruption has marred the process. We are facing a crisis of confidence at the Ministry of Justice, and we are committed to addressing this issue and restoring trust,” Mao explained. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
