This is an update from the Parliament of Uganda marking the 19th Sitting of the 1st Meeting of the 3rd Session of the 11th Parliament. This Sitting was chaired by the Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa. In his communication, the Speaker welcomed members to today’s sitting. The House then moved on to consider a Statement on the Commemoration of International Youth Day which will be on 18th August 2023 in Kabale District. This was presented by the Government Chief Whip, Hon. Obua Denis Hamson “This year we could not celebrate the Day on l12th August 2023 due to circumstances beyond our control,” Hon.Obua said. According to the Gov’t Chief Whip, The theme for this year’s commemoration is: “Accelerating Recovery from Covid-19 and full implementation of the 2023 Agenda”. The Deputy Speaker later said the statement will be debated next Wednesday when the Minister of Gender is in the House. The Chairperson of the Committee on Finance, Hon. Kankunda Amos later tabled the Committee report on the Micro-Finance Deposit-taking Institutions (Revision of Minimum Capital Requirements) Instrument 2022 which was adopted by the House. This will increase the minimum paid-up cash capital requirements of micro-finance deposit-taking institutions from 25,000 currency points (Shs500m) to 250,000 currency points (Shs5bn). Debate on the Narcotic Drugs & Psychotropic Substances (Control) Bill, 2023 was also resumed. Before yesterday’s adjournment, MPs had processed 25 clauses of the bill. The bill seeks to provide deterrent measures against local drug abuse, among others. Hon. Wilson Kajwengye, the Chairperson of the Committee on Defence and Internal Affairs, noted that Clause 53 of the Narcotics Drugs Bill states that “the Minister may establish a facility for treatment and rehabilitation of persons with substance use disorder in accordance with the Medical and Dental Practitioners Act, Cap 272.” He said that Clause 53 of the Narcotics Drugs, Bill will give the Minister authority to establish treatment and rehabilitation centers, other than the Butabika National Mental Referral Hospital. Khat (miraa) was included among the prohibited drugs/plants in the Fourth Schedule of the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Bill, 2023 which has been adopted by the House. Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa later told MPs that the Narcotics Drugs Bill will be concluded and passed next week.The Speaker afterward adjourned the House to Tuesday, 22 August 2023 at 2.00 pm. Source; Parliament of Uganda
MPIGI TEACHERS ILLEGALLY PAID SHS106 MILLION
Members of Parliament on the Public Accounts Committee (Local Government) were left shocked when it was discovered that 20 teachers in Mpigi District illegally access the payroll and having been drawing salaries for the past seven years. This led to a financial loss of Shs106 million. The committee chaired by Hon. Gilbert Olanya made met the district officials on Thursday, 17 August 2023 over the Auditor General’s queries for the Financial Year 2021/2022. According to the Auditor General’s, the teachers accessed the payroll with forged appointment letters from the District Education Service Commission. Olanya asked the Mpigi District Principal Human Resource Officer, Selestino Kaweesa why such anomalies were not addressed promptly. “You were not acting, you were not stopping them and they continued getting that money for seven years. Why?” he asked. Kaweesa said that the district officials only learnt about the illegality through the Auditor General’s report. “When we received a copy of the report from the Auditor General, we wrote to police to carry out investigations but all the implicated teachers have disappeared and we cannot recover the money,” Kaweesa said. He added that while the teachers are considered as ‘ghosts’, they had still taught in their respective schools. “These people were there teaching in those respective schools and even the head teachers have made statements confirming that,” he said. Hon. Abdul Mutumba (NRM, Kiboga West County) however, said that the culprits should be arrested and prosecuted. “Forgery is a criminal case. The matter should be followed up with police. The teachers are residents of this community,” he said. Mpigi District Chief Administrative Officer, Moses Kanyarutokye said that all the implicated teachers have been erased from the payroll. The MPs warned that the district officials will be tasked to recover any funds lost, if such cases recur. Source; Parliament of Uganda
16th AUGUST 2023 | TODAY IN PARLIAMENT
This is an update from the Parliament of Uganda marking the 18th Sitting of the 1st Meeting of the 3rd Session of the 11th Parliament. This Sitting was chaired by the Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa. In his communication, the Speaker welcomed members to today’s sitting. The House then moved on to consider the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Bill, 2023 under the second reading. State Minister for Internal Affairs Hon. Muhoozi David told MPs that the risks caused by narcotics substances and drug trafficking are far-reaching & if untamed in time, can adversely affect Uganda economically, socially, and even its security. The Minister added that the Bill, therefore, seeks to domesticate international enforcement best practices & also provide interim measures against drug abuse, establish mechanisms for the rehabilitation of drug addicts, and put in place measures to save Uganda from being a transit route and consumer of drugs. Hon. Wilson Kajwengye, the Chairperson of the Committee on Defence and Internal Affairs presented the report on the same. According to the Chair, this Bill was read for the first time on 23rd May 2023 and referred to the Committee on Defence and Internal Affairs for scrutiny, following the nullification of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act, 2015 by the Constitutional Court over lack of quorum. He added that The Narcotic Drugs & Psychotropic Substances (Control) Bill, 2023 seeks to; provide deterrent measures against local drug abuse; establish mechanisms for the rehabilitation of drug addicts; put in place measures to save Uganda from being a transit route and consumer of drugs; facilitate cooperation with the international community in the fight against drug trafficking and establish mechanisms for generating resources for law enforcement agencies. Hon. Kajwenge told the House that illicit drug use has become a global public health problem with adverse health, social and economic consequences. The Chair also revealed that In Uganda, there is increased documented drug abuse among particularly youth from wealthy families and students. The Committee observed that if enacted, the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Bill, 2023 will significantly help Uganda’s fight against the abuse and trafficking of illicit drugs, both internally and across borders. The Committee also observed that whilst some jurisdictions have relaxed the restrictions on cannabis, its abuse over its psychotropic effects is more profound, and this continues to pose severe risks to public health. The Chair also reported that between January 2021 to June 2023, DGAL received 178 cases of narcotic drugs in 2021, 295 cases in 2022, and 83 cases from Jan-June 2023. “From these, cannabis was the most abused drug making 68.2% in 2021, 80.1% in 2022, and 76.4% in 2023,” Hon. Kajwenge said. He added that “It was found that cannabis was largely affordable and associated with criminal cases related to theft, burglaries, violence, and accidents”. The Committee, therefore, recommended the prohibition of the consumption of cannabis & khat and should only be allowed for cultivation and usage strictly for medical purposes and research. Reacting to the Bill, Aruu County MP, Hon Christopher Komakech said the economic benefits of legalising cannabis and khat cannot warrant the lives of the young people. “Anyone who uses marijuana cannot get treatment and get cured. We can treat these addicts but we cannot cure them,” said Hon. Komakech. Hon. Kaaya Christine (DWR, Kiboga District, NUP) doubted the Government’s capacity to control the consumption of narcotics. “I see no funds to monitor adherence to mechanisms that we are providing for. Who is going to monitor that from production, no one is going to consume [narcotics]?” said Hon. Christine. The Attorney General, Kiryowa Kiwanuka said medical practitioners, including dentists & pharmacists who abuse the use of narcotics in their possession, will not only be fined or jailed but also deregistered from their profession as proposed in clause 8 of the Bill. Hon Muwanga Kivumbi (MP, Butambala County, NUP) on his part asked Government to tread carefully to avoid criminalising khat (miraa) growers because it is not a prohibited plant. In response, the Deputy Speaker said “There should be no panic over this because the crops being prohibited are in the schedule which we have not yet discussed. Debate on the Narcotics Drugs Bill will resume tomorrow at 2 pm. The Speaker afterward adjourned the House to tomorrow, 17th August 2023 at 2.00 pm.
PRESIDENT RETURNS THE LOCAL CONTENT BILL, AGAIN
President Yoweri Museveni has returned the National Local Content Bill, 2022 to Parliament for the second time asking the House to reconsider his earlier recommendations which he said have not been fully addressed. Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa made the revelation as he chaired the House on Tuesday, 15 August 2023. In his letter dated 01 August 2023, the President details sections that ought to be reviewed by the House, before the Bill is enacted. Museveni said clause 1(g) should be amended to allow the Minister of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives negotiate the local content in the agreements to the extent possible. The clause states that, ‘a local content act shall apply to a local content entity whose activities are financed through public borrowing or such arrangements’. Museveni noted that, ‘this is not practical since each development partner has its own policies and guidelines that are negotiated before the commencement of the project’”Museveni proposed that clause 7 of the bill be amended to include locally manufactured goods and services in the East African Community Market as opposed to the bill’s proposal for preference of goods and services readily available on the market. Clause 11 of the bill requires sub-contracting of public works by at least 30 per cent which the President said is not feasible. to be amended to exclude suppliers, providers and contractors in the procurement planning, saying they do not have power to include local content as one of the criteria for evaluation of bids. The president also returned the Competition Bill, 2023 calling for amendment of clause 4 which establishes the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission to administer the bill. He said the bill should be administered by the Ministry of Trade and not the proposed commission cognizant that government halted rationalization. He observed that the commission attracts a charge on the Consolidated Fund. Source; Parliament of Uganda
MPS CALL FOR INCREASED DEPLOYMENT AT SOUTH SUDAN BORDER
Continued raids at the border with South Sudan have led Members of Parliament to criticise the Uganda People’s Defence Forces for failure to protect the lives and property of Ugandans living there. The MPs concerns followed a statement presented to the House on Tuesday, 15August 2023 by the Minister of State for Internal Affairs, Gen. David Muhoozi. According to the statement, the UPDF has registered successes in recovering some heads of cattle from suspected South Sudanese raiders after incidences like the raid in Poburo village, Madi-Opei Sub-county. Gen. Muhoozi said that the UPDF officers from Apirit detach recovered 17 heads of cattle and an additional 56 recovered by Waligo detach in Kodomero village, Nyimur Sub- county. The statement also revealed that on the 04 May 2023 at Lagaya village in Waligo Sub-county, suspected South. Sudanese raiders burnt seven huts, raided four bulls and looted essential commodities. However, it was Muhoozi’s revelation that insufficient deployment of the army and police at the border posts that drew anger from some Members of Parliament. Lamwo District Woman Member of Parliament, Hon. Nancy Acora expressed dismay at the endless diplomatic meetings that were being held with no action taken.“On the 10 July, we lost four people killed in their gardens in Lamwo.We have had several meetings with Brig. Gen. Katungi and it has not yielded fruits,” she said. She revealed that Lamwo residents are no longer happy for hosting South Sudanese as refugees, since the conflicts cannot be solved. “People are angry and they wanted to burn down the refugee settlement. It has taken great efforts by leaders to calm down the situation and the government needs to urgently compensate families that have lost lives, deploy massively and solve the border disputes of Ngom Oromo once and for all,” she added. Obongi County MP, Hon. George Bhoka Didisaid that ObongiDistrict experienced the same situation where South Sudanese threatened people. He requested the ministry to intensify local community defense mechanisms so that locals can defend themselves. Rushenyi County MP, Hon. Naome Kabasharira queried if it was procedurally right that Ugandans continue to loose lives.“Every time we are crying, should we continue hosting these people as refugees and having them remain in the EAC and yet they keep killing Ugandans?” she asked. The Deputy Speaker, Thomas Tayebwa guided that it was wrong to bundle all South Sudanese as bad and urged the House to remain calm, pledging that government will work to protect Ugandans. Gen. Muhoozi acknowledged the MPs’ concerns and committed to work proactively. He emphasised that several diplomatic engagements and workshops have been organised between the Uganda security forces and South Sudanese leaders and that a memorandum of understanding between the RDCs of Lamwo and Kitgum and the commissioners of the counties of Magwi, Budi and lkwoto on the south Sudan side has been signed. This he said, is aimed at taming the escalating situation at the border.
WARRIORS EMBRACE VOLUNTARY HAND OVER OF GUNS
In a significant development, warriors in the Karamoja region are gradually embracing the voluntary handover of guns, thanks to dialogues conducted by top security commanders with the warriors. At least four guns have been voluntarily handed over to security forces in the last week, spanning the districts of Napak, Kaabong, and Kotido. Lt Col Richard Butungi, representing Maj Gen Don William Nabasa, the 3 Division Commander of Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), received a gun from Emmanuel Anyakun, a resident of Lomoruchubai village, Loleet Parish, Lorengecora sub-county. This event took place at UPDF’s 3 Division headquarters in Moroto Barracks over the weekend. In addition, Igira Lourian and Ekude Apalosira, both residents of Kamuru Sub-county in Kotido district, handed over two guns to Maj Emmy Kafureka, the Commanding Officer of the 43 Infantry Battalion. Another gun was handed over by Loiki Ekeno Simon, a resident of Lotim sub-county in Kaabong District, and it was received by Lt Col Gaston Mugarura, the Commanding Officer of the 45 Infantry Battalion. The initiative of voluntarily handing over guns is being encouraged, with certificates of acknowledgment being provided to those who participate. “We encourage the gesture of voluntary approach to disarmament operations. As we give you certificates, you are now free men and I urge you to persuade other Karacunas to do the same,” said Lt Col Butungi. Reformed warrior John Maruk from Kaabong District highlighted that while they willingly handed over guns, they faced challenges in finding alternative means of survival and were disappointed by delayed incentives promised by the government. Maruk also mentioned concerns about being arrested and mistreated after handing over guns, which discouraged others from following suit. Elias Kassirabo, the Commandant of the Anti Stock Theft Unit (ASTU), urged reformed warriors to seek forgiveness from victims, especially those who suffered due to raids, maiming, loss of lives, and cattle thefts. Kassirabo also called for patience from the reformed warriors in regard to the government’s implementation of development programs. The recent success in the voluntary handover of guns comes amidst efforts led by top commanders of disarmament operations and senior leaders across the sub-region to promote security, community mobilization, and positive mindset change. These campaigns aim to utilize the amnesty window to foster a safer and more stable environment in the region.
LAWYER SUMMONED OVER SHS39 BILLION TEA FARMERS COMPENSATION
The Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE) has summoned Patrick Kiconco Katabaazi, a partner with Pathways Advocates over failure to account for Shs39 billion meant for Kigezi region tea nursery bed operators. This followed a meeting with the Executive Director of the National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS) Samuel Mugasi on Thursday, 10 August 2023. The committee is scrutinising the report of the Auditor General on financial statements of NAADS for financial year 2021/2022. Kiconco was expected to appear before the committee but delegated his colleague, Asiimwe Mugumya who was rejected by the committee. According to the Auditor General’s report, NAADS advanced Shs39 billion to Pathways Advocates to compensate tea nursery operators who had sued government for failure to procure their seedlings. NAADS boss, Mugasi Mugasi tabled evidence that the agricultural body advanced funds to Pathways Advocates in two instalments of Shs27 billion and Shs12 billion. Hon. Eddie Kwizera (NRM, Bukimbiri County) however, said that out of the 142 beneficiaries from Kisoro, he randomly sampled five farmers who allegedly have been paid but they revealed that they had not received any money. “Are you [Mugasi] aware that some people did not get the money? 50 per cent of beneficiaries from Kisoro have not received any money. I want NAADS to provide evidence that those farmers have received the money,” Kwizera said. Kwizera (R) says the farmers he spoke to admitted to not having got the money Mugasi replied that, ’I am not aware and let the lawyer himself come and provide this information’. The Committee’s lead Counsel, Hon. Ronald Ndyomugenyi (Indep. Rukiga County) said that whilst NAADS has evidence that the money was disbursed to Pathways Advocates, the farmers have not been paid. “Despite the fact that there was a consent judgment that has all the names of the tea nursery bed operators, when you look at the accountability, the lawyer is not telling NAADS what each farmer received, they just gave block figures for sub regions,” said Ndyomugenyi. This prompted the Committee’s Vice Chairperson, Hon. Lucy Akello to summon Kiconco to appear before the committee on Tuesday, 15 August 2023. “Without fail, we will specifically meet Kiconco and he should come with the list of the beneficiaries, their bank details, amount of funds each one received and the National Identification Numbers,” said Akello. She accused NAADS of being reluctant to ensure that Pathways Advocates provides accountability of funds received. “You paid money to the lawyer to pay the farmers and these are NAADS farmers. NAADS has the responsibility to ensure farmers have received the money,” Akello said. Source; Parliament of Uganda
GOV’T PLEDGES TO SUPPORT YOUTH
Youth have been urged to open their minds towards sustaining interventions and enterprises for young people. The call was made by the State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs, Hon. Sarah Mateke, while addressing participants of the Sixth National Youth Parliament. The sitting held in the Parliament Chambers on Friday, 11 August 2023 brought together 250 youth from across the country. Mateke said government has put in place interventions that will support advocacy by young people, including addressing issues like school dropouts.“As a ministry, other line ministries together with 13 UN agencies, we are coming up with a joint programme for adolescents and youth which I believe will go a long way in consolidating efforts towards youth empowerment,” she said. Mateke urged the discussants at the annual youth Parliament to deliberate objectively, on the output of government programmes.The Chairperson of the Uganda Parliamentary Forum on Youth Affairs, Hon. Phiona Nyamutoro commended the Youth Parliament for amplifying the voices of young people in Uganda.“We do not just come here to posture for pictures but to have a feel of your knowledge from a local perspective. Your ideas help us as legislators to bridge the gap in community dispensation of legislation,” she said. Some of the participants who attended the Sixth Youth Parliament Nyamutoro, who is also the National Female Youth Representative, urged the day’s moot legislators to represent the issues of children in the country.“Children do not have a budget and cannot speak or analyse situations for themselves. The pace that you set today determines the future of that child watching us,” she added. The Action Aid Country Director, Xavier Ejoyi called on Parliament to increase the budget of the National Youth Council to ensure an effective agency of young people.“It is the future of young people that is at stake when issues like climate change, economic justice and national debt start biting. It is important for us to place young people at the centre of everything we do,” Ejoyi said. Jacob Eyeru, the Chairperson of the National Youth Council said the theme, ‘Green skills for youth: Towards a sustainable world’, should also speak to sustainability of youth ideas and programmes.“If we are to sustain political representation and participation of young people, we must welcome every effort to increase that capacity,” Eyeru said. The National Youth Parliament is organised and coordinated by Faraja Africa Foundation. The Executive Director, Emmanuel Wabwire said that there are continued shrinking civic spaces in the country noting that the National Youth Parliament is a platform to amplify youth voices.“It also a space for advocacy and mentorship of the young people,” Wabwire added. The Speaker of the 2023 National Youth Parliament, Sam Okot Olaa presided over debate on a motion urging government to prioritise investment in climate smart initiatives to promote the development of green skills. The afternoon sitting was chaired by Deputy Speaker, Miriam Nampeera, who presided over debate on two motions including one urging government to increase funding towards youth programmes.The moot youth legislators also presented a petition to Parliament whose prayers included among others, consideration of tax incentives for youth in business and youth venture start-ups. While closing the sitting, the Eastern Youth Representative in Parliament, Hon. Bernard Odoi urged youth leaders to actively advocate for their access to favourable conditions to run businesses and lay a foundation for their future. Source; Parliament of Uganda
KARAMOJA LAUNCHES PLANT CLINICS TO TACKLE PESTS AND DISEASES
In a bid to address the escalating challenge of crop pests and diseases facing Karamoja’s transitioning farmers, the Ministry of Agriculture has partnered with the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) to introduce plant clinics in the region. With the shift from cattle rearing to crop farming gaining momentum, these clinics are set to provide vital diagnosis and treatment for infected plant samples, aiming to safeguard the farmers’ livelihoods. Karamoja, over recent years, has witnessed a surge in the number of smallholder farmers turning to crop cultivation as an alternative to their traditional cattle rearing practices. Unfortunately, this shift has come with a new set of challenges, as pests and diseases increasingly threaten the crop yields that are central to these farmers’ sustenance and prosperity. Meri Jino, the LC5 Chairperson of Kaabong, stressed the severity of the issue. “Pests and diseases are becoming a huge threat to these farmers, thus reducing crop yields,” she said. To combat this critical issue, the Ministry of Agriculture, in collaboration with FAO inaugurated Plant Clinics throughout Karamoja an innovative approach that draws parallels to medical facilities for animals and humans, but with a focus on addressing plant health. Martin Ameu, a Programme Associate at FAO, emphasized the purpose of the Plant Clinics, explaining that they are intended to diagnose and treat plant diseases, as well as control and avert the damaging effects of pests. Moding Simon Peter, a dedicated farmer from Lomukura, experienced the benefits of the Plant Clinic firsthand. In a visit to the clinic situated in Kotido district, he presented a sample of his Sorghum plant that had fallen victim to diseases, seeking analysis and treatment to rescue his crop. A comprehensive training initiative has equipped 74 Agriculture extension workers with the skills needed to manage the plant clinics set to be rotated across the districts in the Karamoja region, ensuring comprehensive coverage to provide early warnings and effective responses to the escalating challenges posed by crop pests and diseases. John Lodungokol, the Assistant Commissioner of Crop Production at the Ministry of Agriculture, highlighted the importance of this endeavor. “The establishment of Plant Clinics will significantly enhance our ability to detect and respond to the threats of crop pests and diseases.” Stated John The clinics are equipped with cutting-edge digital equipment that aids in screening and identifying the extent of damage caused by pests and diseases. Eko Penina, a plant doctor involved in the initiative, expressed the significance of this technological aspect in providing accurate and timely assistance to farmers. As Karamoja’s farmers navigate the transition from cattle rearing to crop farming, the launch of plant clinics offers a glimmer of hope in combating the detrimental impact of crop pests and diseases. This collaborative effort between the Ministry of Agriculture and FAO underscores the commitment to preserving the livelihoods of the region’s smallholder farmers, fostering resilience and growth in the face of emerging challenges. Source; Nile Post
The Karamoja Question: Are we planning to fail or failing to plan? An analysis of government and CSO interventions from March 2021 to date.
Background On June 15th 2023 the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO), World Food Programme (WFP) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), under the auspices of the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), published a worrying report detailing the status of food insecurity in Karamoja sub-region. The report noted with alarm the fact that at least 582,000 people in Karamoja are in a food crisis and over 1.18 million of Karamoja’s 1.4 million people are food stressed or worse. This must have been grim reading for food security planners within these critical aid organizations as well as within the Office of the Prime Minister. Karamoja in the past 20 years has received over 500 Million US dollars in aid donations, donor-funded programs, relief food and government initiatives that seem to have yielded mixed results. As Karamoja develops on the road to Uganda’s Vision 2040 and the discovery of large mineral deposits in the region are exploited, the ordinary Karimojong, who for lack of employable skills, low literacy levels and limited access to credit find themselves unable to afford life or fit into the modern Karamoja. Coupled with a resurgence in Insecurity over the last 5 years, cycles of crop failures, unreliable rains and little access to inputs, this is a dangerous cocktail of trouble. While it is true that malnutrition, infant mortality and stunting has been on the decline in the past 20 years due to successes in government and Donor interventions the situation is far from fair. Maternal Mortality remains unnecessarily high, the number of children that reach 5 years of age is also staggeringly low. GOVERNMENT AND NGO APPROACH TO FOOD SECURITY For a long time the government approach to Karamoja Food security was that of emergency response to famine with little attention to mechanization of agriculture, large scale crop production or irrigation. Despite the government investing hundreds of billions of shillings in pro-growth and Marshall plan like activities spanning post conflict regions across northern Uganda such as PRDP (Peace Reconstruction and Development Plan), NUSAF (Northern Uganda Social Action Fund), DINU (Development Initiative for Northern Uganda), Operation Wealth Creation, Youth Livelihood Fund, Women’s Entreprenuership Fund, there has been little input from ordinary Karimojong in centralized planning and a genuine lack of integration of Karamoja into national development planning and frameworks. Given the fact that most parts of Karamoja survive on 1 season of rain per year there is also a sad occurrence of inputs arriving late making planting difficult. This is further compounded by the lack of dissemination of accurate meteorological data to the populace. Government officials budget for billions of shillings in seconds with little regard for tax payers value for money. Corruption and theft of funds is also an aggravating factor which we shall touch on later in this report. NGOs and donors Karamoja has a multitude of NGOs, CSOs, Faith Based Organisations, Aid Agencies and UN bodies. While many do vitally needed work such as scholarships for students, water supply, support to healthcare systems, livelihoods and food relief, there is a portion of NGOs that are not genuinely interested in helping Karamoja or transforming it for the better. Majority of Non-government activities for the past ten years in Karamoja have revolved around sensitization of communities, research and capacity building of civil servants. In Karamoja today there is a thriving workshop economy with hotels reaping big from lunches, teas, venue hire and NGO staff benefiting from bloated per-diems we call this phenomenon ‘Workshopism’. Sadly the NGO officials travel in shockabsorbed, air conditioned vehicles and tour the manyattas for activities then return to their urban enclaves where they patronize drinking and eating establishments. Marching parades, printed t-shirts and flyer printing and endless awareness campaigns are favourites, while construction of schools, dormitories, healthcenters, livelihoods support direct to beneficiaries is less favoured. In order to be fair to NGOs sadly this is partly due to donor agencies having their own 5 year country plans and frameworks when launching calls for proposals which make it difficult for long term impact projects to be supported. Some of those duties are also a preserve of the government and in some cases are budgeted for however there is corruption. NGOs and the Government have created a dependency syndrome in Karamoja over the last 40 years. Instead of being proactive and combatting problems before they are unmanageable, policy planning and donor interventions have been reactionary and focused on dependency and project continuity. In some cases food relief has been found unfit for human consumption and this has led to deaths or hospitalisation. An example of this is the Napak district food poisoning fiasco of 2019. In some areas dependency is so high that mothers force their children to eat laundry detergent to deliberately keep them unhealthy that the family can permanently benefit from food relief. Source; Karamoja Trumpet