Reformed warriors frustrated by delayed distribution of iron sheets

Moroto, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | A section of local leaders and reformed Karamojong warriors have complained over the delayed distribution of iron sheets.

In November 2023, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja flagged off the first consignment of iron sheets for distribution in the Karamoja subregion. In the first phase of the exercise, 97,552 iron sheets will be distributed to 3,752 beneficiaries across all the nine districts of Karamoja.

They were expected to have been given out before Christmas, however, they are still being kept in the district stores across the region.

According to reformed warriors, they are frustrated with the way the government is handling the distribution program.

William Achia, a reformed warrior from Lotisan Sub County in Moroto district said that they are in dire need of iron sheets because all his cows were stolen after he surrendered his gun to the government.

Achia said he had planned to construct his house and start his small business for survival.

He asked the government to consider speeding up the process of distribution so that they could convince their colleagues in the bush to also come back home.

Emuria Amudany, a reformed warrior from Nadunget Sub County in Moroto district blamed the local leaders for failing to push for the distribution. He says that the leaders seem to have distanced themselves from the program after taking away their guns.

John Robert Adupa, the LCIII Chairperson of Lotisan Sub County in Moroto district said that the reformed warriors have started threatening them if they do not get the iron sheets.

Adupa noted that reformed warriors are flocking into his office daily asking for the iron sheets.

Stephanie Adupa, LCV female councilor representing Tapac Sub County in Moroto district said that they are now advocating for the warriors to hand over guns and embrace peace to pave the way for development instead of relying on empty promises.

She added that it is unfortunate that the iron sheets allocated per parish may not cover everyone and this is more likely to escalate insecurity because the selection criteria is not clear.

Adupa urged the Karamojong community to consider embracing peace and concentrate on developmental programs rather than taking conditions for peace.

Paul Lokol, the LCV Chairperson of Nabilatuk said that people are getting tired of waiting for iron sheets and the number that is delivered may not cover everyone in the parish.

Lokol said that they had identified seven people per parish but only five beneficiaries may receive the iron sheets.

However, Alex Chelimo, the Moroto district Chief Administrative Officer confirmed a receipt of 9,568 iron sheets to be distributed to 368 beneficiaries.

Chelimo said that each beneficiary will be given twenty-six iron sheets for constructing a house and toilet. He revealed that the distribution of iron sheets has not commenced due to a lack of funds to facilitate the exercise.

Chelimo explained that they were promised 10 million shillings from the Office of the Prime Minister and so far 5 million shillings have been sent.

He said that the distribution exercise would start immediately after they receive all the money meant for the distribution exercise.

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