Northern MPs welcomed plan for IDPs

May 04, 2006

SIR — Prime Minister Apolo Nsibambi met Members of Parliament from Acholi, Lango and Teso sub-regions at Kabira Country Club in Kampala on April 27 to brief them on the return and resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to their homes. He also sought their views on this issue.

SIR — Prime Minister Apolo Nsibambi met Members of Parliament from Acholi, Lango and Teso sub-regions at Kabira Country Club in Kampala on April 27 to brief them on the return and resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to their homes. He also sought their views on this issue.
The meeting was attended by the following ministers and ministers of state Prof. George Kagonyera, Namirembe Bitamazire, Betty Aketch, Christine Aporu, Ruth Nankabirwa, Grace Akello, Baguma Isoke, Dr. Alex Kamugisha, Okot Ogong, Akaki Ayumu Jovino and Peter Lokeris. It was also attended by Major General Kale Kayihura the Inspector General of Police, Martin Odwedo Permanent Secretary, Office of the Prime Minister, Dr. Kagoda, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Francis Lubanga, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education and Sports, Muhammed Kezaala, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, General Salim Saleh, Senior Presidential Adviser, Lt. General Katumba Wamala, Commander of the Land Forces, Division Commanders Northern Region and other members of the technical staff. Nsibambi pointed out that following the improvement of security in the north and northeast, President Museveni directed that the IDPs from Lango and Teso sub-regions be facilitated to return to their homes and that the camps in Acholi sub-region be decongested. However, the IDPs were to return voluntarily. The President directed the Prime Minister to co-ordinate this exercise. The meeting learnt that Government will ensure that the returnees are given maximum security by the UPDF and the Police. Furthermore, Government, assisted by the World Food Programme and development partners will provide iron sheets, ox-ploughs, food and planting materials to the returnees. Government will also rehabilitate boreholes, wells and springs in villages where resettlement will take place. Drilling of boreholes and construction of shallow wells will be done by the Government. In the area of health, the MPs were informed that Government will make the following interventions:
  • Delivery of home-based management kits to handle fevers. This helps the majority of children to receive malaria treatment within 24 hours of catching the fever.
  • Carry out measles immunisation and special campaign teams.
  • Intervention to control HIV/AIDs Anti-Retrovirals (ARVs) will be provided free of charge. In the area of education, Government will continue payment of secondary school fees for the children whose parents are in IDP camps. The MPs requested that as an affirmative action Government should consider paying school fees in the LRA-affected sub-regions up to university level. The Minister of Education and sports Namirembe Bitamazire promised to request Cabinet to consider this recommendation. The Mps requested Government to compensate landowners where the IDP camps are situated. This matter will be considered by Cabinet.
    Finally, Government pointed out that a post- conflict plan of action termed Peace, Recovery and Development plan for Northern Uganda is in its final stages of development. Stakeholders, including MPs from the north and northeast and development partners were consulted while the plan was being developed. It was agreed to make further consultations. The Prime Minister pointed out that he will also consult NGOs in order to ensure that their assistance is well co-ordinated. He added that NGOs are represented on the Inter-Agency Technical Committee which is chaired by the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Prime Minister. NGOs are also members of the Policy Committee which is chaired by the First Deputy Premier and Minister for Disaster Preparedness and Refugees. All MPs appreciated the various issues exchanged and embraced the IDP resettlement plan.

    Christine H. A. Aporu
    Minister of State for Disaster Preparedness and Refugees























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