UN Resident Coordinator Visits Karamoja Amidst Increasing Cases of COVID-19 In The Region
The purpose of the mission is to increase awareness on Sustainable Development Goals [SDGs] and Critical UN programs during COVID19 in the region.
During the first day of the tour, H.E Malango visited the Moroto district Local Government Administration offices and brainstormed with the authorities about the ongoing UN supported activities and challenges faced by district during the pressing time of COVID-19.
Ms. Malango also disclosed during a meeting with the district technical team that part of her mission in Karamoja is to encourage youth to take part in the One Million SDG Solutions Innovation Challenge as part of the UN@75 and SDG Decade of Action.
The Youth Innovation challenge aims to identify youth with viable solutions so that they can be supported by private sector, development partners and the UN system.
Christine Akot, the Moroto district Vice Chairperson, disclosed that the LCV Chairperson is also among those who tested positive of COVID-19 and he is undergoing treatment and on stable condition.
Akot applauded the UN Resident Director for endeavoring to visit the sub region amidst the increasing cases of COVID-19.
“You’re coming to Moroto amidst this pandemic has given us hope as the people of Karamoja. The issues affecting the region are beyond just the pandemic and are not yet over,” said Ms Akot, who is currently acting in the position of the LCV Chairperson who is undergoing treatment.
So far, two people have succumbed to COVID-19 in Karamoja region and last week [Thursday 10th September, 2020], a total of 30 inmates from Moroto Prison tested positive of COVID-19.
The Ministry of Health with support from the World Health Organization [WHO] and United Nations Childrens Education Fund [UNICEF], have started the mass testing of 800 inmates and staff at Moroto Government Prison.
Keneth Kabali, the Consultant for Disease Control with WHO in Karamoja, disclosed that the mass testing follows the increase in community transmission infections in the sub region.
Today [Monday 14th September, 2020] the UN delegation headed by H.E Malango, Office of the President represented by Ms Caroline Kembabazi Kamabale [Assistant Private Secretary of the President], the Youth Coalition Uganda represented by Mercy Melody Kayodi and Solomon Odongo, the Media Challenge Initiative represented by Kabazira Christine and Noah Omuya, visited a number of UN Women supported Initiative in Katikekile- Moroto.
The group composed of 15 YWGs and 03 males living with HIV Aids received an enterprise development grant of 5,000,000Ugx to major in Sweater weaving, Crafts making, Liquid soap processing and tailoring, and they have had mentorship support from UWEP/YLP under Ministry of Gender.
So far, 80% of the members have initiated their individual enterprises from the dividends of the group enterprise.
Sharon Adongo, a youth who ran away from a forced marriage and now part of the beneficiaries of project, said that she has now been empowered with tailoring and crafts making skills and she earns money.
According to Adongo, she does not regret running away from a forced marriage and currently, she provides for her siblings and parents too.
“My parents had looked for me a man to marry and I ran away from home because I was still very young. I came to the Mission where I met Sister Winnie who guided and canceled me and later introduced me to the program.
On an interview with Sister Winnie Tali, the coordinator for Katikekile Youth group, she confirmed that the project has played a great role in empowerment of both the youths and adults in Karamoja.
Nause Anna, a mother of four children who was trained on tailoring skills from the project said that she can now provide for her family needs and when schools are open, she is able to pay the school fees.
“I joined here two years ago and I did not have any knowledge concerning tailoring. But today, the knowledge I got from here has saved my family from poverty and domestic violence,” said Nause.
