By Izidoro Twinamasiko,
KAMPALA
The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) has completed the distribution of iron sheets pledged by President Yoweri Museveni to support reformed Karamojong warriors, marking a key milestone in the government’s efforts to transform the region.
The final consignment, flagged off today from OPM stores in Namanve, brings the total number of iron sheets distributed to 108,720. These iron sheets were promised to former warriors, known as Karacunas, who surrendered their weapons and embraced peace.
While officiating at the flagging-off ceremony, Minister for Karamoja Affairs, Dr. Peter Lokeris, commended President Museveni for his unwavering commitment to stabilizing Karamoja. He emphasized that the distribution aims to provide durable housing for the beneficiaries, helping them transition from nomadic lifestyles to more settled livelihoods.
“We appreciate the President’s efforts in ensuring lasting peace in Karamoja. These iron sheets are part of the government’s broader plan to empower the region and promote development,” said Dr. Lokeris, who was accompanied by his junior minister, Florence Nambozo.
Nambozo reaffirmed that district leaders would oversee the fair distribution of the iron sheets to ensure that those who missed out in the earlier phase receive their share.
Robert Ssemwogerere Mugarura, the undersecretary for Pacification and Development at OPM, highlighted the government’s commitment to transforming Karamoja. He noted that improving housing conditions would encourage stability and economic progress.
“The goal is to support communities in settling down and engaging in productive activities. With permanent homes, people will be able to focus on agriculture and other income-generating ventures,” Ssemwogerere stated.
Each beneficiary is set to receive 26 iron sheets, which will facilitate the construction of stronger homes. Officials have called upon the Karacunas and the wider community to maintain peace and use the materials for their intended purpose.
As the karamoja caracunas prepare to receive the iron sheets,it should be recalled that On January 12, 2023 in an internal memo, the then Minister for Karamoja Affairs Mary Kitutu reportedly wrote to the office of the Prime Minister Undersecretary for Finance and Administration, Geoffrey Sseremba requesting for 12,200 iron sheets to be distributed to poor people in the Karamoja region. The iron sheets were given to her but were never given to the people of Karamoja.
According to police, instead of taking iron sheets to Karamoja, the minister distributed some to a few other ministers and senior government officials and also took the rest to her home in the village subsequently she was on April 14, 2023, was arrested and detained followed by the arrest of the then and current State Minister for Finance, Planning, and Economic Development Amos Lugolobi on April 17, 2023 on the same charges and finally Agnes Nandutu, the then Minister of State for Karamoja Affairs, who was detained on April 18, 2023.
The arrests were followed by the UK government-imposed sanctions On April 30 on three mabaati culprits- two former ministers in charge of the Karamoja docket and the speaker of parliament. Citing the three for corruption, “stealing from the poorest communities in Uganda
marking the first time the UK applied its Global Anti-Corruption Sanctions regime to individuals in Uganda.
