Samuel Kalisa Bigirwa, the Chief Administrative Officer confirmed a receipt of 10686 iron sheets in the first phase to benefit 411 households. The iron sheets distribution exercise started on Thursday and it will run up to Sunday from the respective parishes. The Office of the Prime Minister launched the distribution of iron sheets on Thursday in Abim district and the exercise is expected to continue to other districts respectively. At least 28 members are targeted to benefit from the iron sheets in the first phase in the Abim town council.
The long-awaited distribution of iron sheets to reformed Karamojong warriors has begun in the Karamoja sub-region, with the initial launch taking place in Abim district.
In November 2023, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja flagged off the first consignment of iron sheets for distribution in the Karamoja sub-region. In the initial phase, 97,552 iron sheets will be distributed to 3,752 beneficiaries across all nine districts of Karamoja.
The distribution of iron sheets fulfills a promise made by the government to reformed Karamojong warriors who voluntarily surrendered their firearms and embraced peace.
The Office of the Prime Minister launched the distribution in Abim district on Thursday, with the exercise expected to continue to other districts in due course. In the initial phase, 28 members from Abim town council will benefit.
Chief Administrative Officer Samuel Kalisa Bigirwa confirmed receipt of 10,686 iron sheets in the initial phase, benefiting 411 households. The distribution began on Thursday and will run until Sunday across the respective parishes.
Bigirwa noted that seven beneficiaries per parish will receive iron sheets in this phase, while others will need to wait for the second phase. He emphasized the importance of a uniform house design that is weather-resistant and cost-effective for all beneficiaries.
James Shilaku, Abim Resident District Commissioner, urged beneficiaries not to sell the iron sheets but to use them to construct homes that will improve their living conditions. He advised those who have not yet received iron sheets to be patient as the government secures more for distribution.
Capt. Rtd. Juventine Omara, LC5 chairperson of Abim district, expressed concern about the limited number of iron sheets received, which may lead to challenges if not harmonized with the list of beneficiaries provided by the Office of the Prime Minister.
Norbert Katsirabo, commissioner of Pacification and Development at the Office of the Prime Minister, confirmed the delivery of 10,686 iron sheets to benefit 470 members. Each beneficiary will receive 26 iron sheets: 24 for constructing a house and four for a toilet.
Katsirabo emphasized the program’s goal of improving the living conditions of the Karamojong people by providing them with resources for constructing suitable homes and promoting household hygiene and sanitation.
State Minister for Minerals and Energy, Simon Peter Lokeris, who presided over the launch, urged beneficiaries to construct homes that reflect the dignity of the Karamojong communities. He warned against negative attitudes toward using iron sheets for building houses and encouraged proper utilization of the resources.
Lokeris noted that security teams would monitor the beneficiaries’ use of iron sheets and take action against those who misuse them by selling instead of building proper structures.
The distribution of iron sheets marks a significant step in improving the living conditions and dignity of the Karamojong people while ensuring proper use of government resources.
