Focus More On War-Torn Areas, Donors Tell Government

Mar 22, 2004

EDUCATION sector funding agencies yesterday asked the Government to provide more funding and focus more attention on education facilities in war-torn regions.

By Fortunate Ahimbisibwe
EDUCATION sector funding agencies yesterday asked the Government to provide more funding and focus more attention on education facilities in war-torn regions.
The Irish ambassador, Martin O’Fainin, who is also the coordinator of the Education Funding Group (EFAG), said the situation in the north needed government attention or there was a risk of losing an entire generation.
“We urge the Government to address the issue of supporting education in the north in a manner which responds to particular needs of these areas.
“Measures need to be taken to ensure that funds allocated to these districts through normal conditional grants, which cannot be spent, can be re-directed to the emergency educational needs of children in these areas,” he said.
O’Fainin was speaking at the opening of the first education sector budget planning workshop at Nile Hotel yesterday.
The ambassador said while EFAG would continue to fund the sector, the Government was supposed to show keen interest in the sector especially the disadvantaged areas.
“It is of great concern that many children in Uganda cannot experience their right to quality education.
“The situation of conflict and insurgency in the northern region and parts of the east of Uganda has remained an issue of concern for many people in this country,” O’Fainin said.
He added, “The conflict in the north and east and in particular in the districts of Gulu, Pader, Kitgum, Lira, Apac and Katakwi has led to internal displacement and impacted negatively at all levels more especially primary and secondary.” Ends

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