President Museveni has criticized the Karamoja Development Agency (KDA) for its failure to meet its development goals, during his address at the closing of the Karamoja cultural event on September 7 in Karenga District.
The President highlighted that despite the KDA’s establishment by an act of parliament in 1987 to drive development in the region, including improvements in water access, education, health, and agriculture, the agency mismanaged the funds it received.
Museveni pointed out that over $600 million (about Shs2.2 trillion) allocated from the European Union in the 1980s was squandered on seminars and workshops rather than on tangible projects. He criticized the misuse of these funds, which were intended to enhance water infrastructure but were diverted to capacity-building activities.
The President emphasized the critical need for improved water access and education, suggesting that these are fundamental for economic development. He noted that funding for water projects had decreased from Shs800 million to Shs400 million per district, urging current district chairpersons to focus on harnessing rainwater and constructing dams.
Museveni also encouraged the people of Karamoja to explore perennial crops like grapes, citing Israel’s success in growing them despite having less rainfall. He urged for cultural practices to align with scientific principles, citing the need to control inbreeding through marrying outside immediate families.
Addressing the population growth in Karamoja, Museveni highlighted an increase from 190,000 in 1980 to 1.4 million today, attributing this to successful government immunization programs. He underscored that ongoing ethnic conflicts remain a challenge, which hinders further progress.
During the event, Simon Peter Longoli, Executive Director of Karamoja Herders of the Horn, presented resolutions from regional leaders, including calls for free education for Karamoja’s children and amnesty for those imprisoned due to cattle raids. There were also appeals for greater focus on irrigation to enhance food security.
Additionally, Ms. Lilly Akello, the woman MP for Karenga and State Minister for Ethics and Integrity, reminded the President of previous pledges, including the installation of electric fences around Kidepo National Park.
