The West Nile community is expressing frustration with the limited support from the government in addressing their socio-economic challenges. Residents and local leaders in Adjumani, Moyo, Yumbe, Maracha, Arua, and Zombo districts have raised concerns about poverty, inadequate healthcare, low education standards, poor infrastructure, and insufficient services.
These concerns were voiced during the commissioning ceremonies of various infrastructures established under the Development Initiative for Northern Uganda (DINU) project, which recently concluded. The DINU project aimed to enhance revenue mobilization, improve access to clean water, construct market stalls, develop roads, support agribusinesses, and address various community needs.
The project, funded by the European Union through the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) and implemented by the Ministry of Local Government, aimed to promote governance, training, revenue enhancement, business improvement, livelihoods, transport, and education.
While the EU and UNCDF delegations expressed gratitude for the support, local residents emphasized that it was insufficient to address their pressing needs. They called on the government to invest more in the region, highlighting critical infrastructure needs like roads, schools, clean water sources, and healthcare facilities.
Residents also urged the government to address land conflicts, border security issues, and the impacts of climate change, which have adversely affected their livelihoods. They expressed frustration that much of the responsibility for addressing these challenges had fallen on the donor community rather than the government.
Government officials, including State Minister for Northern Uganda Grace Freedom Kwiyucwiny and State Minister for Lands and Urban Development Mario Kania Obiga, pledged to advocate for the resolution of these critical issues. UNCDF and EU delegations also pledged ongoing support to the northern region through various projects.
Overall, the West Nile community’s call for increased government support and investment in critical infrastructure and services reflects the ongoing challenges faced by many regions in Uganda as they strive for socio-economic development.
by Emmy Daniel Ojara