By Sabir Musa

Koboko

Uganda Parliamentary Forum on Social Protection has commended Koboko District leaders for registering success in the implementation of Development Response to Displacement Impact Project (DRDIP).

The World Bank funded project is designed by Office of the Prime Minister to address expanded development needs by refugee hosting districts in the country.

Koboko District Focal Person for DRDIP, Simon Engabua cites negative mindset by some beneficiaries especially on extensive farming and farming for business as a setback in the project. “As we shall be developing other similar programs or projects, we need to integrate the element of mindset change that should take forefront. Before we rollout any program, we should first give adequate time to prepare our beneficiaries and go through intensive mindset change session.” he suggested.

Koboko District has so far received 29.6 billion shillings which is spent in socioeconomic services, infrastructure components, construction and rehabilitation of classrooms, health facilities and environment restoration.

A beneficiary of the project, Dawa Jennifer from Yoyo Village in Lobule Sub County confirms that, their group has so far withdrawn Shs. 6,000,000 out of Shs. 25,000,000 deposited. “This has helped us so much as women. The money from the box you borrow and use it for field work (production) and also to run business. These have made us to pay school fees for our children.” she revealed.

Uganda Parliamentary Forum on Social Protection and members of parliament visited the district to assess effectiveness of social protection interventions.


An elder stressing a point during the meeting
 
According to the forum Chairperson, Flavia Kabahenda, their findings will help to give feedback for better planning. “Our mandate is to monitor and ensure that all social protection services go to those it is intended for, we are supposed to raise any huddles that come around on floor of the parliament as motions, petitions and matters of national importance” the Chairperson said.

According to the forum, social protection financing in the country only reaches to 6.5% of Uganda’s total population despite 39% of the population living in abject poverty.

COVER PHOTO: The Chairperson of Uganda Parliamentary Forum on Social Protection, Flavia Kabahenda speaking at the community baraza held in Lobule Sub County, Koboko By Sabir Musa