The fourth phase of the Northern Uganda Social Action Fund will target nine sub-regions, aiming to create 860,000 jobs and strengthen the resilience and livelihoods of 1.8 million vulnerable people by December 2031.
The government has launched the fourth phase of the Northern Uganda Social Action Fund (NUSAF IV), a Shs1 trillion programme targeting nine sub-regions to reduce poverty, create jobs and improve household livelihoods.
Running until December 2031, the programme covers Acholi, West Nile, Lango, Teso, Karamoja, Elgon, Bukedi, Busoga and Bunyoro. It aims to create 860,000 jobs and build resilience among 1.8 million vulnerable people.
Speaking during the induction of local government leaders and technical staff in Gulu City, James Ebitu, a senior World Bank official, urged local governments to ensure transparency and accountability in implementing the programme.
Ebitu said support would take into account varying levels of vulnerability across the targeted areas, underscoring the need for local leaders to ensure resources reach communities most in need.
Pader District chairperson Alfred Akena welcomed the programme but warned against a recurrence of challenges associated with previous interventions, including alleged diversion of funds and failure to reach intended beneficiaries.
Akena also called for climate change considerations to be integrated into implementation and urged programme managers to protect community land interests.
Gulu City Mayor Julius Achire Labeja urged those managing the programme to prioritise youth skills development and employment opportunities so that young people can benefit from the intervention.
In a speech read by NUSAF IV head Dr Robert Limlim, the Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister, Alex Kakooza, outlined the programme’s targets and urged district leaders to incorporate its activities into their development plans.
Kakooza warned against political favouritism, demands for unofficial payments and poor financial accountability, saying effective implementation would require responsible management of public resources.
The State Minister for Northern Uganda, Beatrice Akori, called on local leaders to use radio broadcasts and community engagements to sensitise residents about the programme and how they can benefit.
NUSAF was introduced in 2003 to support recovery and poverty reduction in northern Uganda. The fourth phase seeks to build on earlier interventions by strengthening sustainable livelihoods, social protection and the resilience of vulnerable households across the nine targeted sub-regions.