A sh7.5b programme to support northern districts

 

JINJA -  The Government has signed a $2m (about sh7.5b) programme to support five districts in northern Uganda which were affected by insurgencies and natural calamities improve on service delivery.

 

The programme which will last for five years will operate in districts of Yumbe, Otuke, Omoro, Amuria and Amudat . It is aimed at consolidating services like health, education, clean water, transport network and agriculture/environment in a peaceful and stable environment.

 

While signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Development Initiative for Northern Uganda (DINU) on Friday,  Benjamin Kumumanya the permanent secretary ministry of local government who signed on behalf of government said they carried out a feasibility study to analyse and establish areas which are most affected.

 

The memorandum which was signed at the Civil Service College Uganda in Jinja is implemented by European Union in partnership with United Nations Capital Development Fund.

 

"The choice of the selected districts was not wrong but was spot on because this is a big boast to government," he explained.

 

He cautioned leaders of the selected districts not take the programme  for granted but instead strive to make an impact .

 

He called for local revenue generation from trading licenses, property rates, fines, permits and other sources like parking fees to ensure sustainability of the programme.

 

However, he also urged the concerned leaders  on massive sensitisation and use of professionals to  guide and create an impact in activities carried out because these aim at implementing one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

 

He said the ministry had set up committees to closely monitor the project for proper implementation.

 

Dr. Jennifer Bukokhe Wakhungu, the programmes manger for DINU said it was aimed at consolidating stability in northern Uganda through reduction of poverty, under-nutrition by strengthening foundations of sustainable and inclusive socio-economic development.

 

She said for the case of poverty reduction was targeted at 5-10% through food security and nutrition agricultural value addition.

 

Others she cited were transport through creating more access roads and good governance which includes fiscal space and improved service delivery.

 

She said selection was also based on policy and programme alignment, sustainability with social and economic impact.

 

Joshua Mabiya, the Chief Administrative Officer of Otuke who spoke on behalf of other benefitting districts said support for northern Uganda should not be taken for granted.

 

Mabiya said they have benefitted from many government programmes like Northern Uganda Social Action Fund and pledged that within in a period of three to five years they shall have improved with the capacity to compete for capital markets like other districts.