By Tracy Oiko Acen,
REGIONAL
The state minister for Gender; Labor and Social Development in charge industrial relations Charles Okello Engola Macodwogo has said attributed the increasing levels of poverty in Lango sub-region to harmful use of alcohol.
He made the remarks while speaking at a meeting on implementation of the Parish Development Module (PDM) at Kwania Resort Hotel in Aduku Town Council, Kwania District.
According to the 2019/20 National Household survey report by the aUganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS), statistics indicate an increase in the poverty level in Lango from 16% in 2017 to 23% in 2020.
The minister attributes this sharp increase to excessive alcohol consumption with Kwania district leading in the vice.
He suggests that the leaders in the nine districts of Lango, that is Lira, Otuke, Alebtong, Dokolo, Amolatar, Kwania, Apac, Kole and Oyam formulate an ordinance that regulates the consumption of alcohol.
In addition, minister Engola has also urged leaders to sensitize the masses on poverty alleviation strategies.
Geoffrey Alex Ogwal, the LCV Chairperson for Kwania district ppledged to ensure the ordinance is put in place as a mechanism to fight household poverty.
Beatrice Adupa, Kwania District Community Development Officer, said they have already dispatched 5.9 million shillings to 49 parishes in each group out of the 292 million shillings that the district received under PDM.
