The 12 microproject groups from Labira and Akore parishes of Obalanga and Akoromit sub-counties have received around Ugx 60 million from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) through the Ministry of Teso Affairs on July 4, 2024.

The beneficiary groups included Aputon Savings and Credit Group Abota B, which received around Ugx 4.5 million; the Atutur Heifer project, which received around Ugx 10 million; Labira Emorikikinos Farmers Group, which received around 4.5 million; Amorican Farmers Field School, which received around Ugx 4 million; Aica Owoikinai Farmer Group, which received around Ugx 5 million; Alaso Joint Savings and Credit Group, which received around Ugx 5 million; and Aminanaros Savings and Credit Group, which received around Ugx 4.5 million.

Other beneficiary groups included the Tukum joint farmers group, which received around Ugx 5 million; the Adungo Youth Farmers Development Group, which received around Ugx 4 million; the Aupanaros Farmers Field School Group, which received around Ugx 4.5 million; the Airiamet goat rearing project, which received around Ugx 4.5 million; and the Akore United Friends Association, which received around Ugx 4.5 million.

According to Emmy Ojirot, the Kapelebyong deputy Resident District Commissioner (DRDC), this is funding for the just concluded financial year 2023-2024.

While officiating the commissioning of microproject groups at Atutur Primary School, Ojirot warned the beneficiaries against the misuse of grants. He, therefore, encouraged them to strengthen teamwork so as to attain success.

Francis Akorikin, the Kapelebyong District Chairperson (LCV), encouraged the beneficiaries to take advantage of government efforts to harness development in villages to improve their household livelihoods.

“The government works hard to bring development while you work harder to eradicate poverty. Poverty is yours if, at all, you don’t use the money well. It won’t be mine,” Akorikin told locals.

He further called upon beneficiaries to embrace government programs like free access to education for all children to help curb illiteracy.

Jessica Apio noted that the beneficiary groups were trained on management dynamics before the funds were disbursed to them.

She pledged to continue guiding and monitoring the performance of microproject groups.

Apio noted that all the beneficiary groups are expected to rear goats and heifers as per their work plans.

The beneficiaries thanked the government of Uganda for having locals at heart, especially in poverty eradication schemes, before committing to effectively use the funds received.

The story was written by Emmanuel Opio (Communication Officer of Kapelebyong District Local Government)