Acholi sub-region LC5 bosses want PRDP last 5 years

Jul 17, 2014

The LC5 chairpersons of Acholi sub-region have asked government to make the Peace Recovery Development Programme III (PRDP III) to last five years instead of three.

By Francis Emorut         

The LC5 chairpersons of Acholi sub-region have asked government to make the Peace Recovery Development Programme III (PRDP III) to last five years instead of three.

They argued that this will make total transformation of the returnees who have now settled in their homes and engage in income generating activities.

The LC5 bosses under their umbrella of the Joint Acholi Sub-region Leaders’ Forum (JASLF) pointed out in their resolution that the time span of five years will allow smooth planning and implementation.

In a media briefing at International Alert headquarters in Kampala Today, the leader’s forum coordinator Martin Ojara Mapendunzi observed that as the PRDP II comes to an end next year but there is need to decentralise procurement processes in the implementation of PRDP III.

“The office of Prime Minister should decentralise procurement processes to the beneficiary districts including cattle restocking programme,” Mapenduzi said.

alt=''Acholi sub-region LC5 bosses (L-R) Patrick Oryema (Nwoya), Martin Ojara Mapenduzi (Gulu), Mathew Akiya (Lamwo), Luke Nyeke (Kitgum), Alfred Akena (Pader) and Anthony Atube (Amuru) sharing a light moment after a media briefing at International Alert headquarters in Kampala on July 17, 2014. Photo by Francis Emorut

The leaders also want a district consortium to be formed for joint planning and monitoring of the programme among civil society organizations, elected leaders and civil servants.

They said this is aimed at addressing concerns and challenges faced during the programme implementation and as part of ensuring value for money.

Tomorrow (Friday) the Prime minister, Amama Mbabazi will meet the district leaders and other stakeholders who are members of the monitoring committee to review the progress of the PRDP II.

The PRDP was set up by government and supported by donors with the aim at stabilizing the northern region in order to consolidate peace and thereby lay the foundations for recovery and development after a two decade war waged by the Lord Resistance Army rebel chief, Joseph Kony.

The LC5 bosses also want government to put more concerted efforts and allocate more funds in the four strategic objectives of the programme.

These are peace building and reconciliation, revitalization of economy, building and empowering communities and consolidation of state authority.

In their resolution, the Acholi leaders want government to lift a ban of recruiting new staff and as they are now constrained in giving quality service delivery.

According to Mapendunzi, the districts staffing level in the six Acholi districts is below 70%.
 
He said the staffing for Gulu stands at 67%, Nwoya 50%, Kitgum 60%, Amuru 50% while Lamwo and Pader are at 40% and 47% respectively.

 The project manager International Alert, Louis Okello observed that government should not only focus on PRDP arguing that what happens if the programme is stopped.

He said there should be a mechanism of introducing sustainable projects and empower the population in the north in income generating activities.

The LC5 chairpersons who briefed the media include ; Mapenduzi (Gulu), Patrick Oryema (Nwoya), Mathew Akiya (Lamwo), Anthony Atube (Amuru), Luke Nyeke (Kitgum) and Alfred Akena (Pader). 


Related Stories

Refunded OPM money builds Acholi school

Acholi now sells food to WFP

Northern peace programme to begin in July

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