Kitgum women receive Shs12 million to shift from grass-thatched huts to permanent homes
She also underscored the risks of grass-thatched homes, including their vulnerability to arson, wildfires, and other hazards.
Kitgum: In a move to enhance housing conditions in rural Kitgum District, Hon. Aber Lillian, the State Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, over the weekend, donated UGX 12 million to women’s groups across several parishes.
The initiative is part of a broader effort to transition families from grass-thatched huts to safer, permanent housing structures.
Speaking to the beneficiaries, Minister Aber said she was inspired by a similar initiative in central Uganda, where women’s groups contributed small amounts monthly and partnered with suppliers for discounted iron sheets.
“This initiative isn’t about politics it’s about empowering our communities. Let’s welcome support that uplifts us but be mindful of who we involve in our local affairs,” she said.
The Minister emphasized that many Acholi families, despite owning extensive land, continue to be misrepresented by negative housing stereotypes. This project, she noted, is a step toward restoring pride in the region’s identity.
Pamela Atoo, Secretary for Production and Marketing in Kitgum District, also underscored the risks of grass-thatched homes, including their vulnerability to arson, wildfires, and other hazards.
The UGX 12 million was distributed in UGX 1 million installments to various women’s groups in Labongo Amida Main, Labongo Amida West Sub-county, and Kitgum Matidi Town Council.
In a separate development, the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) has donated 200 iron sheets to Kitgum District to support schools recently affected by natural disasters in Namokora Town Council and Lagoro Subcounty.
The iron sheets were officially delivered recently, and distributed to the affected institutions, including a parent school in Namokora and Lamogi Parents School in Lagoro Subcounty.
Arwa Christopher Obol, the Kitgum District LCV Chairperson, confirmed the delivery and thanked the OPM for its timely response. He emphasized the importance of continued cooperation between local and central government to address emergency challenges, particularly in the education sector.
“We are grateful to the OPM for this quick intervention. It shows the importance of working together to restore learning environments for our children,” Arwa noted.
Hon. Aber Lillian, the District Woman MP and State Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, confirmed that the donation followed an official request made by the district leadership after the disaster struck.
“This support is a direct result of a formal request we submitted. I urge all district leaders to continue using proper channels when seeking emergency support from government ministries,” she said.
A delivery letter from the OPM, accessed by this publication, verified that the donation was in direct response to Kitgum’s appeal to assist the disaster-stricken schools.
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