Sh2.8b for women, children projects

By Moses Odongo and Ali Mao THE United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has earmarked sh2.8b for the implementation of its up-country programmes in 26 districts this financial year, the programme officer has said. Alfred Mutiti said his organisation had compiled a comprehensive programme to target women and children on ways of improving their welfare. Mutiti was on Wednesday reviewing a UNICEF programme report for this financial year during a one-week inter-district meeting at Lira Hotel. UNICEF and its line ministries jointly funded the meeting, which attracted participants from Kitgum, Kotido, Apac, Moroto and Lira. Mutiti said 80% of the funds would go directly to the sub-counties where implementation teams and parish development committees would be involved in the programme. He commended political leaders for their role which he said contributed to the success of UNICEF programmes in the Northern region. The Lira LC5 chairman, James Obua-Otoa, hailed UNICEF for their contribution towards the welfare of children and women. He said it had contributed a lot towards women’s rights. He assured UNICEF that the districts would utilise the funds for the relevant programmes.