Prime Minister Rt.Hon.Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda has this morning launched the Development Initiative for Northern Uganda (DINU), a programme that is expected to change the economic situation in the region.
During the launch, Dr. Rugunda emphasized that the Ugandan government and development partners has over the years supported Northern Uganda affirmatively to ensure the poverty levels, malnutrition and under nutrition are brought down. Despite these efforts however, the situation continues to require more support and investment.
A 2016/17 survey indicates that 32.5% of the people in Northern Uganda are living below poverty line compared to the 21.4% national average.
The Premier thanked all partners who have, and continued to walk the journey of helping Northern Uganda, to make a positive difference among communities.
He pointed out that the main areas of focus under the DINU programme are; Food security and agriculture, Transport infrastructure and Good governance. “These elements are critical to the development of aspiration of this country” he noted.
Dr. Rugunda said that potential threats such as land rights, youth unemployment and access to water which are still threatening the consolidation of post-conflict recovery need to be addressed.
“As Government, we pay special tribute to the European Union for this support and also other support to the different sectors of the economy. We are appreciative of this support to Northern Uganda as we continue with the journey to develop this part of the country so that it will be at the same level of development with other regions in terms of social-economic indicators” He concluded.
The premier also called upon all Ugandans to fully support the programme in order for it to achieve the intended DINU objectives.
