Simon peter Lokeris (wearing a hat), the state minister for Energy handing over Iron sheets to one of the beneficiaries. Photos by Medrine Apio
By Medrine Apio
Moroto: Reformed cattle rustlers in Karamoja have each received 26 pieces of iron to build decent homes as they embrace government programs to eradicate poverty.
The iron sheets were given by the government to the reformed rustlers who voluntarily surrendered the guns they used for raiding cattle.
For years immemorial, the Karamojong who are a predominantly cattle keeping community in Karamoja sub-region have been using guns to raid animals within the sub-region and neighboring districts, causing insecurity.
In July 2022, the Ministry of Karamoja Affairs, promised to give 100,000 pieces of iron sheets and 74,000 goats to support former cattle rustlers who would surrender their guns.
A total of 7,155 goats were immediately given as partial fulfilment of the pledge. And in November 2023, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, flagged off the first consignment of 97,552 iron sheets to be distributed to nine districts in the sub-region.
Over the weekend, the Office of the Prime Minister, launched the distribution of iron sheets to 3,752 beneficiaries.
Simon Peter Lokeris, the State minister for Energy and Mineral Development, while presiding over the distribution, said government gave the iron sheets so that former rustlers could build permanent houses and settle in one place.
Lokeris noted that the region is good for agricultural production, but the Karamojong have intentionally resorted to animal raids, which frustrate development.
“The Karamojong must change and do agriculture that can transform their living conditions and get out of poverty,’’ Lokeris advised.
He said although the communities are asking for more iron sheets, their request can only be considered after government sees positive results from the first beneficiaries.
Beneficiaries applaud Gov’t
Paul Loduk, a reformed warrior, applauded government for the iron sheets, adding that he had surrendered his guns to the government severally but wasn’t compensated, yet he spent money to acquire them.
“I’m now going to use the opportunity to convince my colleagues who have not surrendered [their] guns to do it so that they can also benefit from iron sheets,’’ Loduk said.
Gabriel Sagal, a resident of Nadunget Sub County said the distribution of iron sheets is an indication that the government is committed to supporting them.
“I’m glad the iron sheets have finally reached us. I had already given up thinking that it was a trick of taking guns away from us yet the guns were also our source of livelihood,’’ Sagal said.
Sagal, however, appealed to the government to consider giving them other building materials like bricks, timbers and money for roofing the houses.
Patrick Nangiro, one of the reformed warriors in Rupa Sub County said he had already lost hope of getting the iron sheets after media reports that the iron sheets were stolen by government leaders.
Nangiro disclosed that his colleagues who are still raiding animals have been laughing at him for handing over his gun for free, yet he spent money to get it.
Justin Tuko, Moroto Deputy Resident Commissioner, said that they have given out iron sheets to 372, beneficiaries, consisting of reformed warriors and other vulnerable members in the community.
“We had earlier resolved to give seven people per parish but we received less iron sheets and the number of beneficiaries has since reduced to six and each beneficiary is getting 26 iron sheets for constructing house and a toilet to control the rampant open defecation in the communities,’’ Tuko said.
Tuko appealed to the beneficiaries to encourage their colleagues who still have guns to surrender them and embrace peace and benefit from government programs.
Stella Atyang, the Woman Member of Parliament for Moroto district, tasked leaders in charge distribution exercise to ensure that the iron sheets reach the genuine beneficiaries and warned beneficiaries against selling the sheets.
