Saturday, July 5, 2025
UG Standard - Latest News
  • Home
  • News
    • DIPLOMACY
    • COURT
    • AFRICA
    • BOOK REVIEW
    • INTERVIEW:
    • National
    • Parliament
    • World
    • Regional
  • Business
    • AGRIBUSINESS
    • OIL & GAS
    • REAL ESTATE
    • TECH
    • INNOVATIONS
    • TELCOM
  • OpED
  • EDUCATION
  • INVESTIGATION
    • NATIONAL ARCHIVE
    • SPECIAL REPORT
    • ANALYSIS
  • FEATURES
    • SOCIETY
    • Community
    • Pictorial
    • PROFILES
    • Lifestyle
    • Health
    • ENVIRONMENT
  • Tours & Travel
    • Hotel & Hospitality
  • Sports
  • About Us
  • Login
UG Standard - Latest News
ADVERTISEMENT

KARAMOJA IRON SHEETS: How Ministers Kitutu, Nandutu can win back President’s trust

by UG STANDARD EDITOR | UG STANDARD EDITORIAL
21/04/2023
in OpED
Reading Time: 5 mins read
A A
0
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
Mike Ssegawa is a veteran journalist and now working as Deputy RDC Mukono District.
Mike Ssegawa is a veteran journalist and now working as Deputy RDC Mukono District (PHOTO/Courtesy).

Karamoja has become more famous recently – just like the Mabaati hashtag. However, there are people who wonder why the President has put a lot of energy of leaders who abused his trust and that of the people of Karamoja.

A Biblical character wondered when he learned that Jesus’ hometown was Nazareth. “Can anything come out of Nazareth?” he asked. The same is often raised over Karamoja, consciously or unconsciously – with many people thinking Karamoja is not worth our time.

So, “What good is in Karamoja!” has been affirmatively answered by the entire state of Uganda responding to the President Museveni’s reasonable guidance to have full accountability for what is due of Karamoja. The government has over the years dedicated human and financial resources to transform Karamoja into a safe, productive, and prosperous region. He wants to prove that the legendary stone rejected by builders could anchor Uganda of the future. Mark these words.

Even in the midst of negativity sorrounding the Karamoja ironsheet scanda, there is a silver lining on the dark cloud – we should have a discourse taking Karamoja forward.

With its unique challenges, especially in the security sphere, we should not lose faith in what Karamoja can offer Uganda and the world. And this is what the ministers of Karamoja need to do to unleash the fortunes of the region – as soon as they put the ironsheet ghosts behind them.

The ministers need to start with borrowing a leaf from the former minister of Karamoja, Mama Janet Museveni. Her leadership of the docket brought to prominence the once unnoticeable ministry. We saw noticeable investment in Karamoja’s human capital, political prominence, attracted donor interest, as well as infrastructure development among other things. Under Mama Janet, food, seeds, animal stocks, electricity and tarmac roads crossed into the land renowned for cattle rustling – and indeed, cases of diversion of funds or stores meant for Karamoja were unheard of.

So what can Mrs. Kitutu and Madam Nandutu do differently? I assume it is in their fresh commitment to see a better and prosperous Karamoja.

If during Mama Janet’s time business people including the late Bulahimu Muwanga Kibirige (BMK) picked interest to invest in a beautiful hotel, what more could be done in what many agree is the best tourist attraction in Uganda and actually the third most attractive in Africa – according to renown tourism reviewers. I will return to the Kidepo Valley National Park later.

The Big Picture

Ministers Maria Goretti Kitutu and my sister Agnes Nandutu, actually still can do this job. When the dust settles, they need to borrow a leaf from the work ethic, commitment and success story of Mama Janet. They can do something to change that narrative and win back the confidence of their appointing authority, and the people of Uganda in general. They can still return to the ministry and in Karamoja and hold meetings with wananchi including karacunas. Listen to them. And Follow up on what is agreed upon as due to them.

What can be done?

The Karimajongs have three things to themselves which can transform their world. Land. Culture. Animals. The three can combine into a package called Tourism. This is the low hanging fruit for the region, which can anchor agriculture, and other things such as mining to transform economic activities there.

Related posts

Suspects in court on Monday.

Mpigi District boss, District Service Commission Members Charged over illegalities in Job offers

30/06/2025
163

Tororo leaders hail Lady Justice Sarah Langa for her Dedication,Mentorship and Integrity

29/06/2025
269
Bishop Lwere with some of the Judicial officers who participated in the Prayer Breakfast.

Bishop Lwere warns Judicial officers against Corruption

28/06/2025
171
Minister , Gen David Muhoozi addressing the gathering at Golf Course Hotel on Thursday. (Courtesy photo)

Violence free elections is everyone’s responsibility – Minister Muhoozi

27/06/2025
167

We all know it is difficult to transform Karamoja directly through land and animal resources as practiced by them or elsewhere in the country because the principal stakeholders have a different world view on land and animal economy, therefore developing and ensuring security for the tourism sector to flourish in Karamoja, will attract new players, who in turn will grow a new world for the region, just like it has been for Masai Mara in Kenya, or Serengeti in Arusha, Tanzania. The impact of tourism trickles down to the last person in the area.

The Karamoja ministers need to partner with their colleagues in Tourism, Gender, Works and Defence, to offer the region a new deal. The deal to transform the region into a tourism powerhouse. Like the tourism boards of Kenya and Tanzania do to milk millions of dollars from the Masai cultural and wildlife resources, I am certain Kidepo Valley National Park, acclaimed as a wilderness gem internationally, can be the goose that lays golden eggs.

Kidepo has been featured on CNN, National Geographical journal or even Time magazine, among other places, as a place for tourists seeking tranquility, peace of mind and amazing experiences in the jungle. The beauty of Narus Valley which has a variety of animals including cheetahs, elephants, Buffalos, zebras, Giraffes among others – make Kidepo the “hidden gem” in Uganda’s safari package, let alone the breathtaking landscape that protects diverse wildlife, and one of the most unadulterated cultural heritages in the world.

With these wildlife backed up with Karimojong culture and heritage – may combine to offer the world the ultimate safari expedition. They should take a multi-sectoral investment plan to the President explaining how to transform the region using the opportunities and resources at their disposal.

President Museveni has already earmarked tourism as one of the country’s economic pillars. Outside the budget for marketing which has grown over the years, the president has prioritized roads, airports and other infrastructures leading to tourism destinations, especially in Kigezi and Rwenzori areas. The private sector has equally come in handy to invest their monies in lodges, memorabilia, community and cultural experiences among others. This has boosted tourism economies around the national parks in Kigezi, Rwenzori, Bunyoro/Lango among other tourism regions. Consequently more visitors have toured these places and the districts hosting or neighbouring those national parks have received loyalties. From those resources, these communities build roads, invest in health care and education. Such can be achieved without wildlife crime such as poaching, ivory smuggling or any forms of theft or abuse against good tourism practices.

The line minister should push for prioritization of an airport in Moroto to shorten the time tourists take to connect from Kampala or Entebbe, Kisoro or Hoima.

The minister of Karamoja could even ask the President for UPDF’s engineering and production brigades to work alongside the fighting force, to tap into the capacity UPDF has built over the years in road construction, water management or food production. Mrs Kitutu would reap dividends and leave Karamoja a much better, wealthier, livable region.

The security offered to Karamoja will not go to waste, but will bring with it a dividend – our forces will not be seen as a confrontational force against Karimojong warriors, but a force for transformation of the region.

This will make Karamoja the more attractive area where people can travel, visit, or trade– and help it integrate with the rest of Uganda. And contribute to Uganda – rather than having people sucking the rest of the country in its name.

 —-

The writer, Mike Ssegawa, is a veteran journalist and now working as Mukono district’s deputy resident district commissioner.

Share this:

  • Share
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window) Telegram
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp

Like this:

Like Loading...

Related

Tags: Education Minister Janet MuseveniFeaturedKaramoja ironsheets- How Ministers KitutuNandutu can win back President’s trust

Related Posts

The write, Hellen Masika is a Community Mobilizer at Centre for Citizens Conserving Environment & Management (CECIC)
OpED

 HELLEM MASIKA: The Impact of Climate Change on Healthcare in Uganda, Challenges and Pathways to Resilience

by UG STANDARD EDITOR | UG STANDARD EDITORIAL
10/10/2024
0
274

The write, Hellen Masika is a Community Mobilizer at Centre for Citizens Conserving Environment & Management (CECIC) Climate change is...

Read moreDetails
The writer, Emma Bwayo is Young Politician, Journalist, and Law Student (PHOTO/Courtesy)

#UGAT62: The Youth Perspective and President Museveni’s Role in Shaping the Future

08/10/2024
338
President Museveni and his son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba (PHOTO/Courtesy)

2026 CRISIS: Is it Gen Museveni or his son Gen Muhoozi

11/03/2023
250
Hellen Masika, Community Mobilizer at CECIC, empowering communities for environmental conservation.

A Brewing Crisis: Climate Change and Uganda’s Coffee Industry 

18/09/2024
194
Load More

Popular Articles

  • Check out the top schools with pupils who scored 6 in 4 aggregates in the 2024 PLE results, as released by UNEB

    PLE 2024 Results: Top Schools with 6 in 4 Aggregates

    4367 shares
    Share 1747 Tweet 1092
  • How to Renew Your National ID Online: NIRA Pre-Registration Portal 2025 Guide

    3965 shares
    Share 1586 Tweet 991
  • NIRA unveils high-tech National ID, mass enrollment set to begin

    2663 shares
    Share 1065 Tweet 666
  • FULL LIST: Ministry of Education, NCDC publish self-study workbooks amid COVID-19 lockdown

    3323 shares
    Share 1348 Tweet 823
  • How to Check PLE Results 2024 on Phone, Online

    1783 shares
    Share 713 Tweet 446
  • PLE 2024 Results: UNEB Clarifies on Release Date

    1650 shares
    Share 660 Tweet 413
  • MPs clear govt to cancel 2020 academic year

    2796 shares
    Share 1150 Tweet 686

Recent Articles

Stanbic Donates mama kits in run up to World Population Day

05/07/2025
KCB Bank Uganda launches "Kyaddala ne KCB" campaign to reward savers with school fees, shopping vouchers, land, and more, fostering financial wellness nationwide.

KCB Bank to give out school fees, shopping vouchers to savers in new campaign

05/07/2025
Luis Alfredo Pérez, Yara Executive Vice President for Africa and Asia giving his address at the launch of Agri-hub

Yara, Asili Partner to Launch Farmer Knowledge Center in Kiryandongo

05/07/2025
During a meeting held at SHIPU offices in Kampala, Col. Nakalema assured the delegation of the Eritrean investors led by Mr. Samuel Tsegoi, the Managing Director of Concord Apartments, that President Yoweri Museveni “is always directing to ensure that we are supporting the investors and that their investments are well protected.”

Col. Nakalema, KCCA intervene to protect Eritrean investors

05/07/2025
Mafumu Dauson joins Lugazi FC

“Lugazi FC Is the Right Place to Develop My Career,” Dauson Mafumu

04/07/2025

Businessman King Ceasor Augustus Mulenga Pledges Affordable Credit in Bid for NRM Entrepreneurs Chair

04/07/2025
Rtd General Mugisha Muntu addressing the gathering at Uganda Law Society headquarters on Thursday.

Ugandans should take a lead role towards the country’s peaceful transition

04/07/2025

Recent CommentsRecent Comments

  • The Journey of Ibrahim Traoré on How President Ibrahim Traoré’s ambitious vision is driving Burkina Faso’s economic growth push
  • Ugandan Scientists Finalists For European Inventors Prize — Press Uganda on Ugandan scientists finalists for European inventors prize
  • Government Pumps UGX1 Trillion Into UDB To Drive Industrialization, SME Growth — Press Uganda on Government pumps UGX1 Trillion into UDB to drive Industrialization, SME growth
  • PS Ggoobi Tips On Building USD 500b Economy — Press Uganda on PS Ggoobi tips on building USD 500b economy
  • Museveni Meets German Envoy Matthias Schauer After Subversion Claims — Press Uganda on Museveni meets German envoy Matthias Schauer after subversion claims

UG Standard - Latest News

UG Standard, published via www.ugstandard.com isa publication of Sahel Media Solutions Ltd, a professional Digital/New Media company in Uganda info@ugstandard.com

Follow us on social media:

Latest News

  • Stanbic Donates mama kits in run up to World Population Day
  • KCB Bank to give out school fees, shopping vouchers to savers in new campaign
  • Yara, Asili Partner to Launch Farmer Knowledge Center in Kiryandongo
  • Col. Nakalema, KCCA intervene to protect Eritrean investors
  • “Lugazi FC Is the Right Place to Develop My Career,” Dauson Mafumu
  • Businessman King Ceasor Augustus Mulenga Pledges Affordable Credit in Bid for NRM Entrepreneurs Chair

OpED

HELLEN MASIKA: From Darkness to Solar Light in Kijumba 

Why de-register a Motor Vehicle in Uganda: and Consequences of Non-Compliance

Challenges of taxing law firms in Uganda

SHEILA ABOTH: Maternal healthcare must be everyone’s business because it takes a village

DARIUS NIWAHA KISHAHO: Securing Health After Retirement: Why a Post-Retirement Medical Cover is a Necessity, Not a Luxury

© 2024 Ugstandard - Latest News by Digital/New Media company.

Welcome Back!

Sign In with Facebook
OR

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
    • DIPLOMACY
    • COURT
    • AFRICA
    • BOOK REVIEW
    • INTERVIEW:
    • National
    • Parliament
    • World
    • Regional
  • Business
    • AGRIBUSINESS
    • OIL & GAS
    • REAL ESTATE
    • TECH
    • INNOVATIONS
    • TELCOM
  • OpED
  • EDUCATION
  • INVESTIGATION
    • NATIONAL ARCHIVE
    • SPECIAL REPORT
    • ANALYSIS
  • FEATURES
    • SOCIETY
    • Community
    • Pictorial
    • PROFILES
    • Lifestyle
    • Health
    • ENVIRONMENT
  • Tours & Travel
    • Hotel & Hospitality
  • Sports
  • About Us

© 2024 Ugstandard - Latest News by Digital/New Media company.

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.
%d