By KT Reporter
Over 100 war victims in Mucwini West and Mucwini East Sub Counties in Kitgum District have been equipped with farming skills and knowledge to enable them to become self-reliant.
The empowerment training, organized by CLITAD International in collaboration with the War Victims & Children Networking Initiative and Syova Seed (U) Ltd, was conducted in Pudo Central Village in Mucwini West. The victims appreciated the empowerment program.
Christine Candiro, the CEO of CLITAD International, told URN that for many years, they have been supporting rural communities with financial projects, but sustainability has been an issue, as many misuse the money given to them.
According to Candiro, the victims have long been left behind and are often not considered in many government programs because they do not meet the requirements.
Candiro further noted that this is just the beginning of their support for vulnerable people in northern Uganda, especially war victims. Dr. Mark Ogal, the Managing Director of CLITAD International, told URN that although the guns have gone silent, the war is still ongoing in another form, and there is a need to empower community members.
“Our brothers, sisters, mothers, and fathers have been in captivity for over 20 years. The gun war is over, but we still have a silent war in our minds. We need to work towards our economic independence and support the victims of war,” Dr. Ogal said.
He, however, revealed that providing hands-on skills and seedlings to the victims is the best way forward, as they will use the skills gained and plant the seedlings they receive through the project.
James Allan Lukoya, the Chairperson of Mucwini West War Victims Association, revealed that he is very happy with the knowledge and skills gained through the training and promised it would be well-utilized.
He, however, appealed to the trainers to continuously follow up with the farmers (victims) because many organizations start projects but fail to follow up and assess their progress.
Stella Angel Lanam, the Director of War Victims & Children Networking Initiative, appealed to the government to support the victims with urgent funding for their economic empowerment.
According to Lanam, the lives of the victims cannot be compared with those of people who have not been in captivity, as they at least have a way of life, unlike the victims-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
