Ugandan economist tips South Sudan on poverty alleviation

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According to the World Bank's latest estimates, about 82% of South Sudanese endure poverty. 

The country has a population of about 12 million people and the overwhelming majority, about 80%, reside in rural areas.

While attending the 15th Advocates for Africa Biennial convocation in Uganda recently, Rose Jackson, an advocate from South Sudan wondered how her country would scale out of that abject poverty. 

She said they jubilated when they attained independence over 10 years ago but the poverty in South Sudan is indescribable. It is seen everywhere and the protracted war worsens matters. 

Dr. Francis Wasswa, national economist with UNDP-Uganda (United Nations Development Programme) opined that eliminating hiccups in leadership and forming partnerships would help eradicate poverty in South Sudan. 

He advised the leaders to bring on board development partners to help transform the economy; boost education and health sectors and develop the infrastructure as well. 

He stressed the fact that no country can achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in isolation. For example, Uganda benchmarks a lot from other countries like it recently did on judicial transformation from Ghana.

Meanwhile, over 500 Christian lawyers, judges, government officials, pastors and students from around Africa, USA and Europe converged at the Imperial resort beach hotel Entebbe for the four days conference that ended on July 30.

It was under the theme; Positioning the Christian Lawyer to thrive through a volatile and ambiguous world. 

It intended to equip lawyers with knowledge and skills they need to position themselves in this complex world. The Uganda Christian Lawyers’ Fraternity (UCLF) hosted the convocation.