World Bank Supports Northern Uganda Vulnerable Youth

     
KAMPALA, September 11, 2003 - The World Bank, the Government of Japan, and the Uganda Government today signed a Japanese grant agreement of US$1.6 million that will support capacity building of vulnerable youth in the 18 districts of Northern Uganda.

This grant aims to equip vulnerable youth to be productive, lead normal and profitable lives in their communities and contribute to peace, using extensive community participation and culturally sensitive approaches. It targets disadvantaged youth, such as the internally displaced, those that have laid down guns and returned home, youth out of school, who have lost educational and employment opportunities due to extreme poverty and civil insurgency.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, The Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Gerald Ssendaula, appreciated the support the World Bank and the government of Japan extend to Uganda. He said, this assistance will go a long way in helping government achieve its objective of poverty eradication. He assured development partners, of government's commitment to provide an enabling environment in Northern Uganda, for effective program implementation. He concluded saying, " Like Oliver Twist, we want some more….( assistance)."

Mr. John J. Oloya, a World Bank Official, said, this program will initiate rapid response, provide innovative solutions, with extensive participation and inputs from targeted groups to redress the effects of economic and social insecurity, aimed to improve livelihoods and the future of Northern Uganda's youth. He further stated that the grant complement two major components of Northern Uganda Social Action Fund: the Community Reconciliation and Support to Vulnerable Groups.

World Vision Uganda will implement this program on behalf of the Government of Uganda, in 18 districts, i.e., Karamoja, Teso, West Nile, Lango and Acholi sub-regions of the Northern Uganda.