Norway, UN sign sh5b partnership to empower refugees 

Minister Peace Mutuuzo (left) and Susan Eckey, the Norwegian Ambassador (wearing red) after signing the partnership

The UN Women and Royal Norwegian Embassy have signed a sh5.4b project ($1.5m) aimed at protecting and empowering South Sudanese Refugees women and host communities in Uganda, especially in districts of Yumbe and Adjuman.

The three-year deal targets over 6,000 women and will see women trained in financial literacy skills, livelihood improvement as well as building their resilience and numeracy skills.

This, according to Susan Eckey, the Norwegian Ambassador to Uganda, will make the refugees have a peaceful start of new life hence their betterment. She said  

During the signing of the partnership between UN Women and Norwegian Embassy at Design Hub in Kampala, Eckey explained that women's economic position is paramount because it contributes to fighting poverty and protection of children's rights.

"Gender equality strategies with a focus on results are a priority also in our cooperation with UN. We also prioritize women's rights and equality in business development.

"In Uganda, support to refugees does not only stop after the emergency kit has been handed out. It continues beyond this," she stated.

She added that: "The refugee women are courageous but face many challenges. I sincerely hope that the programme will contribute to a new start and possibility of what the refugee women have dreamt of on their own behalf and their children."

The UN Women's regional director East and Southern Africa, Dr Izeduwa Derex-Brigs said the programme will reduce the burden on South Sudanese refugees and host community. He said women and girls around the targeted communities will have their livelihoods opportunities strengthened.

Anna Mutavati, the UN Women deputy country representative in Uganda told New Vision that indirect beneficiaries will also be reached through their linkages to the empowered women and sensitisation activities.

"The programme will contribute towards Uganda's progress towards Sustainable Development Goals, especially on gender equality and, peace, justice, education and economic growth," she said.

The state minister for gender and culture affairs Peace Mutuuzo said the signing of partnership is in fulfillment of the commitment made by Norway during the Uganda Solidarity Summit in June this year.

"It has been noted that in 2016, Uganda received an influx of refugees from South Sudan with over 1 million new arrivals. In the recent times, it has been known as the largest influx and 80% are women and children," she stated.