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By Agustine Olule-Moroto
In a bid to bring total peace, security and development to Karamoja sub region, Karamoja Herders of the Horn with support from German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development has dispatched 100 million shillings to three reformed youth groups who recently voluntarily handed over their firearms to the government as way of resettling them.
Speaking during the handover ceremony held at Moroto Boma grounds on Wednesday 21. Aug. 2024, Simon Peter Longoli, the executive director of Karamoja Herders of the Horn said this is part of the region’s ongoing efforts to transition from conflict-driven survival tactics to sustainable development.
He added that as Karamoja Herders of the Horn, they are committed to ensuring that these funds not only help these individuals start businesses but also contribute to the overall peace and development in Karamoja. He also challenged the beneficiaries to remain united in their different groups and desist from diverting the funds to non beneficial activities like drinking.
John Robert Adupa Akiiki the LC3 chairperson of Lotisan Sub County where one of the groups hails from asked the youth who have benefited from this money to take advantage of money to change their lives, families and Karamoja at large. He also challenged the leaders from various sub counties where these groups are to help in monitoring and guiding this youth where need be to ensure that they do not misuse the money.
David Koryang, the LC5 chairman Moroto District said by providing former combatants with economic opportunities, they are hopeful this will break the cycle of violence and poverty that has long plagued the region.
However, Dinah Lorika Adupa the Assistant RDC Moroto who was the chief guest at the handover of the money to the groups asked the beneficiaries to take on with the projects they have chosen and trained on so that they achieve their objectives. She also tasked them to continue sweet talking their brothers who are still hiding in the bushes with gun to bring them back so that they can befit from such projects.
Meanwhile Joseph Logel the chairperson of Rupa reformed group thanked Karamoja Herders of the Horn for supporting them. He added that life has been so hard for them ever since they returned the guns which they were using as source of survival whenever they go for raids. He called upon his group members to put this money in to good use so as to benefit them and their families.
The groups which have benefited include; Rupa reformed youth group, Kisil Tobar Lotisan reformed youth group and Katikekile Ochamutu Ekisil reformed youth association.
