MPs pass sh206b for north

Aug 27, 2009

THE Movement MPs have passed a sh206b loan request for the second phase of the Northern Uganda Social Action Fund (NUSAF).

By Mary Karugaba

THE Movement MPs have passed a sh206b loan request for the second phase of the Northern Uganda Social Action Fund (NUSAF).

Presenting the request to the NRM parliamentary caucus recently, state minister for northern Uganda rehabilitation, David Wakikona, said the fund would accelerate northern regions’ development.

Wakikona said the affected areas had been “dislocated economically” and needed help to catch up with the rest of the country.

“This money is designed to address the backlog in the north and eastern parts of the country. It’s meant to top up what line ministries have been doing,” Wakikona added.

The loan will be released if Parliament approves it. The second phase of NUSAF is supported by the World Bank and will be implemented over a five-year period starting next month. The first phase ended in March 2009.

It was aimed at empowering communities through capacity building in priority areas.

The project will be implemented in the 40 districts of Acholi, Bukedi, Bunyoro, Elgon, Karamoja, Lango, Teso and West Nile.

Wakikona said the funds for the second phase were requested after assessment reports by the World Bank, the parliamentary committee on presidential affairs and the local communities.

The focus will be on income-earning projects at household level, public infrastructure and service provision.

Several members at the meeting called on the Government to monitor the funds to avoid embezzlement and to guide communities in the selection of enterprises.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});