Parliament, Kampala — Hon. Dr. Eunice Apio Otuko, Member of Parliament for Oyam North County, has called for clear and practical measures to address challenges affecting commercial cattle traders and claimants in northern Uganda, particularly in Oyam District.
Speaking during a parliamentary debate on commercial cattle trading, Dr. Otuko welcomed the work of the relevant committee and its chairperson while raising concerns that require further clarification and action to ensure that affected communities benefit from government interventions.
Dr. Otuko drew attention to the concerns of Lang’o claimants and other categories of beneficiaries who previously went to court and secured awards. She asked the House to clarify how the committee’s report addresses their situation, noting that the matter had already been brought to her attention by constituents.
She called for clear guidelines to ensure that funds set aside for eligible beneficiaries reach the rightful claimants. She emphasised the importance of transparency and targeted support in addressing the concerns of communities that have longstanding claims.
The Oyam North legislator also raised concerns about the movement and operations of commercial cattle traders from northern Uganda. She informed Parliament that she currently has seven petitions from cattle traders in Oyam seeking intervention over challenges affecting their businesses.
According to Dr. Otuko, the traders possess the required documentation and have been cleared by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) to conduct their trade. She said they operate along the cattle trade route from Buliisa but face difficulties returning with livestock to their established trading posts.
She described the challenges as a disruption to an important economic activity that supports livelihoods across northern Uganda. Dr. Otuko urged the relevant authorities to address the regulatory and operational difficulties affecting legitimate traders who have complied with the required procedures.
Through the Speaker, she appealed to Parliament and responsible government agencies to help resolve the challenges surrounding commercial cattle trading by locals from northern Uganda, with particular attention to the concerns raised by traders in Oyam District.
Dr. Otuko’s contribution brought both historical compensation claims and current challenges facing cattle traders into focus, calling for clearer guidelines, coordinated action and practical solutions to protect livelihoods while ensuring that commercial cattle trading operates within established laws and regulations.
