A high-stakes stakeholder engagement meeting in Maruzi North Constituency has ended with a firm resolution to recover misappropriated funds and restore integrity to the embattled Lango, Acholi, and Teso cattle restocking programme.
The meeting, convened by the area Member of Parliament, Hon. Benard Otim, at the Chegere Sub-County Headquarters, was called to address widespread irregularities that marred the beneficiary selection process. Reports emerged that several residents were listed as beneficiaries without their knowledge, while funds intended for restocking were allegedly diverted.
During the tense but productive session, stakeholders reached a critical consensus: all funds collected using the National Identification Cards of unsuspecting residents must be recovered and returned to their rightful owners. The recovery and reconciliation process has been formally placed under the coordination of the Office of the Resident District Commissioner (RDC), with a follow-up implementation meeting already scheduled for August 4, 2026, at Chegere.
In a bid to ensure such a breach of trust does not recur, the assembly unanimously agreed that all future beneficiary lists must be publicly displayed at parish headquarters. This move is intended to allow for community scrutiny and feedback, effectively closing the door on secret manipulations.
In his closing remarks, Hon. Otim underscored the non-negotiable nature of integrity in public service. He called for a "synergy between political leaders and technical officers" at the Lower Local Government level, stressing that effective service delivery depends on transparency and accountability.
"This programme was meant to uplift our people, not to enrich a few at the expense of the vulnerable," Hon. Otim stated. "We are sending a clear message: the days of impunity in beneficiary selection are over. We must work together—technical staff, politicians, and the community—to ensure that every shilling reaches its intended purpose."
The resolutions have been met with cautious optimism by residents, who have long complained about exclusion from government programs. As the August 4th coordination meeting approaches, all eyes are on the RDC’s office to execute the recovery swiftly and ensure the restocking programme finally serves the community it was intended to help.
