Karamoja development plan launched
Apr 20, 2008
THE Prime Minister, Prof. Apollo Nsibambi, has launched the Karamoja Integrated Disarmament and Development Programme. The programme will cover the introduction of improved agricultural practices and technology to address endemic food shortages and the gun problems in the region.
By Anne Mugisaa
and Joyce Namutebi
THE Prime Minister, Prof. Apollo Nsibambi, has launched the Karamoja Integrated Disarmament and Development Programme. The programme will cover the introduction of improved agricultural practices and technology to address endemic food shortages and the gun problems in the region.
Speaking during the launch on Saturday at Akiriket Shrine in Moroto, Nsibambi said quick yielding crops would be introduced in the region devastated by cattle rustling and the proliferation of arms.
The programme followed the 2002 parliamentary motion for comprehensive measures to address cattle rustling in Karamoja.
Parliament called for provision of security, drought resistant crops, water points for livestock and the promotion of tourism and mining in the area.
They also wanted the establishment of income-generating activities like extraction of gum arabica, cattle restocking, improved veterinary services, infrastructural improvement and promotion of alternative means of livelihood.
“The programme was intended to create a gun-free society, to create parity between Karamoja and the neighbouring districts,†Nsibambi said, adding that it would also “Emphasise peace building initiatives and long term interventions to support rehabilitation of pastoral livelihoods.â€
He added that the Government had provided tractors to the districts of Moroto, Nakapiripirit, Kaabong and Nabiim Research Centre under the programme for modernised agriculture. Kotido is yet to get any.
“I appeal to the leaders to encourage and mobilise their communities to engage in large scale farming to address the problem of famine that has affected the Karamoja for a long time.â€
He also asked the people to support the UPDF and other law enforcement agencies and voluntarily surrender illegal guns.
Last year, President Yoweri Museveni launched the Peace, Recovery and Development Programme for the northern region including Karamoja, whose monitoring committee was launched in February by the Vice-President, Prof. Gilbert Bukenya.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister’s Office has distributed 1,300 bags of rice and 300 cartons of oil to 11 districts affected by floods in eastern and north-eastern Uganda.
The districts, which included Katakwi, Amuria, Bukedea, Kumi, Bududa, Manafwa, Nakapiripirit, Kotido, Kaabong, Abim and Dokolo also got 75 tents, 90 bales of blankets, 8,000 pairs of slippers and 10,500 pangas.
According to a statement from Apollo Kazungu, the assistant commissioner for disaster management and refugees, the relief items were donated after the Government’s call to the international community to assist the people affected by the floods.
The Egyptian government donated rice, oil and tents while the blankets were from the Africa Development Emergency Organisation.
Last year, floods displaced thousands of people and destroyed property, leading to the closure of schools in a number of districts in eastern Uganda.
The premier’s office also supplied 150 bags of rice, 10 tents, 13 bales of blankets, 1,300 pairs of slippers and 2,000 pangas to Soroti district, following a recent storm.
and Joyce Namutebi
THE Prime Minister, Prof. Apollo Nsibambi, has launched the Karamoja Integrated Disarmament and Development Programme. The programme will cover the introduction of improved agricultural practices and technology to address endemic food shortages and the gun problems in the region.
Speaking during the launch on Saturday at Akiriket Shrine in Moroto, Nsibambi said quick yielding crops would be introduced in the region devastated by cattle rustling and the proliferation of arms.
The programme followed the 2002 parliamentary motion for comprehensive measures to address cattle rustling in Karamoja.
Parliament called for provision of security, drought resistant crops, water points for livestock and the promotion of tourism and mining in the area.
They also wanted the establishment of income-generating activities like extraction of gum arabica, cattle restocking, improved veterinary services, infrastructural improvement and promotion of alternative means of livelihood.
“The programme was intended to create a gun-free society, to create parity between Karamoja and the neighbouring districts,†Nsibambi said, adding that it would also “Emphasise peace building initiatives and long term interventions to support rehabilitation of pastoral livelihoods.â€
He added that the Government had provided tractors to the districts of Moroto, Nakapiripirit, Kaabong and Nabiim Research Centre under the programme for modernised agriculture. Kotido is yet to get any.
“I appeal to the leaders to encourage and mobilise their communities to engage in large scale farming to address the problem of famine that has affected the Karamoja for a long time.â€
He also asked the people to support the UPDF and other law enforcement agencies and voluntarily surrender illegal guns.
Last year, President Yoweri Museveni launched the Peace, Recovery and Development Programme for the northern region including Karamoja, whose monitoring committee was launched in February by the Vice-President, Prof. Gilbert Bukenya.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister’s Office has distributed 1,300 bags of rice and 300 cartons of oil to 11 districts affected by floods in eastern and north-eastern Uganda.
The districts, which included Katakwi, Amuria, Bukedea, Kumi, Bududa, Manafwa, Nakapiripirit, Kotido, Kaabong, Abim and Dokolo also got 75 tents, 90 bales of blankets, 8,000 pairs of slippers and 10,500 pangas.
According to a statement from Apollo Kazungu, the assistant commissioner for disaster management and refugees, the relief items were donated after the Government’s call to the international community to assist the people affected by the floods.
The Egyptian government donated rice, oil and tents while the blankets were from the Africa Development Emergency Organisation.
Last year, floods displaced thousands of people and destroyed property, leading to the closure of schools in a number of districts in eastern Uganda.
The premier’s office also supplied 150 bags of rice, 10 tents, 13 bales of blankets, 1,300 pairs of slippers and 2,000 pangas to Soroti district, following a recent storm.