A locally-led mode of development assistance or localization is preferred because it allows local actors to implement activities based on the needs of the communities where the civil actors are based.
The GROW project running for five years and implemented by the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development was launched in Kampala in June 2023. However, the ministry has extended the project to cover up to all nine districts of the Karamoja sub-region.
The approximately 8.05 billion Ugandan shillings World Bank-funded project targets 35000 micro and 4000 small women enterprises expected to have transitioned to small and medium enterprises respectively by the time of closure in 2027.
The Energy Ministry has partnered with several organizations, including Planet Gold, Impact, and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), to gazette mining areas and license the miners. Artisanal miners are encouraged to form groups and apply for Artisan and Small-scale mining licenses at a fee of 1 million shillings.
The project will focus on fostering peaceful co-existence among cross-border communities and increasing incomes for vulnerable households through environmentally friendly livelihood options.
Among the key interventions of the project include the provision of water resources as an enabling dimension of peace and security, enhancing the functional capacity of peace committees, conducting community outreach on key developmental topics, facilitating cross-border cooperation, offering psycho-social support, implementing cash-for-work initiatives, delivering training in digital literacy and entrepreneurship, supporting small start-ups, providing vocational training for youth, refurbishing local economic centers, and integrating conflict-sensitive livelihood interventions into local government plans among others.
The team visited the community at Kanakomol village in Nadunget Sub-County before proceeding to inspect projects at Kasimeri Primary School and St. Daniel Comboni Technical Institute. Kasimeri Primary School is one of the 283 schools currently benefiting from Ireland's support, facilitated through UNICEF, to enhance access to quality education.
The NGO Act, 2016 provides for the establishment of District NGO Monitoring Committee in every district and the sub county to oversee the operations of partners at the grass root level.
However, civil society organization has established that the NGO monitoring committees that are chaired by the Chief Administrative officer for district level and Senior Assistant Secretary for Sub County have not been operational as per the NGO act.
In Nabilatuk district, beneficiaries have been issued ATM cards, raising concerns about the limited banking infrastructure in South Karamoja. Sylvia Awas, the Nabilatuk district woman member of parliament, expressed her dissatisfaction with the use of electronic money transactions due to the poor mobile network connectivity in the region.
Michael Ayepa, the PDM Regional Coordinator for the Karamoja sub-region, explained that the funds are sitting idle in bank accounts because people were not adequately prepared to receive the money. Ayepa pointed out that the delayed disbursements were also hindered by insecurity, which prevented parish chiefs from accessing certain villages for registration and data collection.
Maj Gen Don Nabasa, the UPDF 3rd division commander, told URN that the cattle traders are resorting to transporting illicit waragi and charcoal on the trucks used for carrying livestock.
Moses Muteesa, the chairperson Wankulukuku livestock cooperative society in Kampala told URN that the government should suspend livestock markets in Karamoja region if they want to deal with the problem of commercialized cattle raids.
Michael Longole, the Mt Moroto regional police spokesperson, confirmed the arrests, stating that they were carried out in line with the presidential directives. Those involved in the charcoal trade will face charges for violating the Forestry Act, as guided by the National Environmental Management Authorities.
Charles Okudi, a cattle trader from Katakwi district, expressed frustration at the emergence of numerous checkpoints along the designated routes and the officers' tendency to extort money.
John Baptist Lokii, the Matheniko County Member of Parliament stressed the importance of local leaders taking an active role in sensitizing communities about the value and benefits of the program. He expressed concern that the limited knowledge about the PDM program has hindered effective communication between leaders and the local people.
The micro finance support centre zonal manager for Moroto office, says they have started sensitizing the SACCO leadership on the legal aspects of SACCOs, including requirements for permanent registration.
Micheal Lokut, an elder in Lopukoi village Matany Town council Napak, says that although the program has improved his life, the high prices of food are costing him a lot of money, and yet there are other essential commodities needed in the family.
Emmanuel Kere from Karenga district who trained in welding and metal fabrication told URN that he grew up in cattle raids and changing his mind to believe that there are alternatives to making money was not easy.
Edyau Echodu, the in charge of Bokora– Matheniko game reserve told URN that the insecurity greatly affected the development of the wildlife and tourism sector as many tourists could no longer visit the region.
Simon Lokoru, a bee farmer in Katikekile sub-county in Moroto district, says that he decided to venture into beekeeping because the activity requires low investment since the requirements are just bee hives and a few simple tools for harvesting.
