By Grace Kalenge
KAMPALA
The Minister of State for Luwero-Rwenzori, Hon. Alice Kaboyo, has said that affirmative action interventions have significantly transformed communities in Luwero and Rwenzori.
Appearing on the Front Bench programme on Uganda Broadcasting Television on Monday, Kaboyo noted that several infrastructure projects have been implemented over the years in the education, health, and road sectors across the two areas.
Minister Alice Kaboyo (2nd right), Norbert Katsirabo (right), Brig Jacob Asiimwe, and Jethro Kasaigi, during the show
“We have built classroom blocks and homes for veterans in several districts in Luwero and Rwenzori,” she said. “We have also supported over 100 community groups and implemented many micro-projects.”
The Ministry was established to address the adverse socio-economic impacts of the National Resistance Army war (1981–1986) in Luwero and the Allied Democratic Forces insurgency (1996–2003) in the Rwenzori region.
The Minister explained that the Government has also deliberately established industrial parks in Luwero to spur industrialisation and create jobs.
“New roads and industrial parks have opened up business opportunities, while micro-projects and Parish Community Associations are providing financial support to communities,” Kaboyo added. “It is not true that these areas, Luwero and Rwenzori, have been neglected by the Government.”
She added that since the creation of the Luwero-Rwenzori Ministry in 1992, affirmative action programmes have been intentional, focusing on education, housing, and financial support aimed at improving livelihoods.
Kaboyo also stated that additional government programmes such as Universal Primary Education, Universal Secondary Education, the Parish Development Model, and the Youth Livelihood Programme have significantly contributed to socioeconomic progress in Luwero and Rwenzori.
Mr Norbert Katsirabo, Assistant Commissioner for the Luwero Triangle, said the Government’s affirmative action programmes are informed by community needs. He explained that the ministry works closely with the district local governments to identify service delivery gaps and provide targeted support.
“Many families have taken advantage of these programmes,” he said. “If a family is determined to progress, they will utilise the available resources.”
Brig. Gen. Jacob Asiimwe, Chairperson of the Veterans Verification Committee, said many families have benefited from one-off payments under the “Akasiimo” scheme. “Over 80,000 people have received Akasiimo payments,” he said.
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