President Yoweri Museveni has hailed the Governments of Southern Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Central African Republic for their contribution towards the elimination of Kony and the LRA rebel group, adding that peace is now a reality in Northern Uganda. He said government has also succeeded in disarming the Karimojong and that it is committed to eliminating criminals who are attacking those disarmed in the region. The President was  speaking during the launch of the Northern Uganda Social Action Fund (NUSAF2 project) at Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala. The ceremony was also witnessed by Prime Minister Professor Apollo Nsibambi and State Minister for Karamoja Affairs Mrs. Janet Museveni. NUSAF2, a project under the Prime Minister’s Office, is aimed at improving access of beneficiary households in Northern Uganda to income earning opportunities and better basic socio-economic services. It is also aimed at supporting community based public works program (PWP), income generating activities, provision of skills for creation of self employment and productive assets for targeted poor community households in Northern Uganda and also support rehabilitation of community infrastructure to improve access to basic socio-economic services including: rehabilitation of schools, community water points, community access roads, health centers, teachers’ houses, sanitation facilities, and basic solar lighting systems through provision of grants. 

The LRA rebel group which has been proscribed as a terrorist organization has engaged in armed rebellion in what was once described as one of Africa’s longest conflict and has been accused of widespread human rights violations including murder, abductions, mutilations, sexual enslavement of women and children and forcing children to participate in hostilities.

The President said that Government is to fully fund the construction of Karuma hydro-power station, noting that it would be its first priority project in the Northern Uganda region and would cost US$1.3 billion. He was happy to note that the funding is cost effective since it is interest free. 

He further disclosed that Government would facilitate the completion of the construction of Nyagak power station which is expected to produce 3.6 megawatts of electricity. He added that the Muyembe – Sironko – Namalu – Katikelele – Moroto Moroto electricity line, the Opuyo- Moroto line and the corner Kilak- Adilang- Abim power lines are due to be constructed.

President Museveni said the Government of Uganda and that of the Sudan are to work on the construction of the Gulu – Juba railway line, adding that he had proposed using the UPDF in the construction exercise as part of the measures to cut costs. On the issue of roads, he said the Masindi Port – Apac – Lira – Kitgum road is to be constructed soon.

He welcomed the proposal by the World Bank to fund the construction of teachers’ houses in the Northern Region and said government is actually in the process of the houses and to rehabilitate hospitals in all parts of the country.

The President noted that government is encouraging the agro processing sector, adding that the good market in the region has facilitated farmers who responded with increased production of maize and other produce. He reiterated that all agricultural products not consumed fresh should be processed. He condemned some political leaders in the Northern Region for frustrating the sugar industry that would help add value to farmers’ produce.

The World Bank Regional Director, Mr.  John Macintyre was pleased to note that many Internally Displaced People returned to their homes in 2009 and that over 500,000 of them have benefited from the NUSAF project.

The Director of the Department for International Development (DFID) Jane Rintoul said her organization contributed Shs.72 billion to NUSAF2 and observed that NUSAF is a vehicle for promoting recovery and growth.

State Minister for Northern Uganda Mr. David Wakikona commended the World Bank and DFID for their contribution.