Prime Minister flags off iron sheets to Karamoja

By: Pascal Kwesiga

NAMANVE

Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja on Wednesday flagged off trucks loaded with iron sheets to Karamoja. The event took place on Wednesday, 29th November 2023, at the warehouse of the Office of the Prime Minister in Kampala Industrial and Business Park in Namanve.

The Prime Minister was flanked by the Minister of State for Karamoaja, Agness Nandutu and Members of Parliament from Karamoja sub-region.

In 2021, the Cabinet approved the procurement of iron sheets for distribution to the “reformed warriors” and other people in Karamoja to contribute to efforts to pacify the sub-region. A total of 97,555 pieces of iron sheets will be distributed to 3,752 beneficiaries in Karamoja in the first phase.

UPDF trucks loaded with iron sheets en route to Karamoja

The Government has since 2007 been implementing affirmative action programmes in Karamoja sub-region to facilitate socio-economic development.

“The overall aim of these affirmative programmes implemented through the Ministry of Karamoja in the Office of the Prime Minister is to contribute to human security and promote conditions for the recovery and development of Karamoja,” Nabbanja said.

The affirmative action programmes, the Prime Minister added, were also designed to facilitate livelihood improvement and integration of the former warriors into their communities, among others.

“It is our hope and prayer that the reformed warriors and other people in the sub-region will denounce cattle rustling and engage in socioeconomic development,” the Prime Minister said. “I thank the UPDF, Hon. Members of Parliament, Development Partners and Local Government leaders for mobilising communities in Karamoja to embrace peace and development,”

She also said the Government was committed to addressing development challenges in the sub-region. Nandutu said she was hopeful that the distribution of iron sheets will contribute to efforts to transform households in Karamoja.

The Chairperson of the Karamoja Parliamentary Caucus, Remigio Achia, said the people in Karamoja were looking forward to receiving the iron sheets and fulfilment of other government pledges to the sub-region.

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