By James Alomu

SOROTI DISTRICT :The first phase of the government's livestock restocking programme in Soroti District is nearing completion, with only 10 beneficiaries yet to receive support out of the 486 targeted, Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Haji Imran Mulaga has said.

Mulaga said the programme has registered significant progress despite early challenges of alleged extortion by some local leaders, who were accused of demanding money from vulnerable beneficiaries before they could access government support.

He said the reports threatened the credibility of the programme and prompted a swift response from security agencies. Likening their intervention to football's Video Assistant Referee (VAR), which reviews incidents to identify and punish foul play, Mulaga said security stepped in to investigate the allegations, expose those involved in the alleged extortion, and ensure the programme remained on course.

"At the beginning of the programme, the image of Soroti District was at stake because of a few corrupt leaders who were extorting money from beneficiaries. Security intervened immediately, investigated the allegations and apprehended those involved," Mulaga said.

According to the RDC, 476 beneficiaries have already received support under the first phase, leaving only 10 to complete the exercise. He expressed confidence that the remaining beneficiaries would receive their support within the planned implementation period.

Mulaga said while poverty remains a serious challenge in many communities, it should never become an excuse for exploiting people who are meant to benefit from government programmes.

"In many cases, biting poverty in our communities pushes some individuals to take advantage of vulnerable people. But government programmes are meant to lift people out of poverty, not to enrich a few corrupt individuals," he said.

Looking ahead to the second phase of the restocking exercise, Mulaga declared a zero-tolerance stance against extortion, warning that security agencies will maintain heightened surveillance to ensure every beneficiary receives government support without interference.

"The second phase is a no-go zone for extortion. We shall ensure every beneficiary receives government support for its intended purpose. Anyone found demanding money from beneficiaries will be arrested and prosecuted," he warned.

Mulaga also urged beneficiaries to use the funds strictly for livestock restocking, saying the programme is intended to improve household incomes, strengthen food security and reduce poverty across Soroti District.

The livestock restocking programme is one of the government's poverty alleviation interventions aimed at rebuilding productive assets among vulnerable households. District authorities say tighter security oversight will continue throughout the second phase to safeguard public resources and ensure that the programme achieves its intended objectives.