Government is expected to advance a total of 4.3 Billion Shillings to districts in Acholi and Lango sub regions under the Uganda Women Empowerment Project (UWEP).
The State Minister of Labour Gender, Peace Mutuuzo, told journalists in Gulu yesterday on the sidelines of an orientation workshop [for the project] held at Mwokka Hotel in Gulu town that a total of 6.730 billion Shillings will be advanced to 32 districts in the greater north including Kiryandongo district.
Under UWEP or Women Fund, all eight districts and two municipalities in Acholi will receive a lump sum figure of 2.480 billion Shillings.
According to figures released on Tuesday by the Ministry of Gender, Labour & Social Development, Agago is expected to 293 million, Amuru, 300 million, Gulu 222 million and Gulu municipality 165 million.
Other districts in Acholi that are expected to receive the fund are; Kitgum (289m), Kitgum Municipality (130m), Lamwo (296m), Nwoya (280m), Omoro (232m), Pader and 273m.
In Lango sub region, government is expected to advance around 1.874 billion shillings to all the nine districts and two municipalities.
Oyam will receive the largest amount of 310m while Apac will have the least amount under the Women Fund, with a total amount of 79 million shillings.
The same program will be implemented in all the seven districts of West Nile and two municipalities of Arua and Koboko.
A total of 2.152 billion Shillings advanced to West Nile sub region, with Arua receiving the largest amount of 473 million.
Minister Mutuuzo revealed the program which only targets vulnerable women will be rolled out in all the districts in Uganda after a pilot project which covered 19 districts including Kampala City Council Authority (KCCA).
Mutuuzo explained that the fund is to empower women so that they can be able to contribute to the economic development of the country.
The Minister expressed confidence saying unlike with the Youth Fund were some groups mismanaged funds, women are trustworthy and will work hard to repay the revolving fund in order to protect their integrity.
Julius Magara, the Principal Gender Officer who represented Pius Bigirimana, the Permanent Secretary, in the Ministry of Gender, Labour & Social Development, warned District officials against asking soliciting for kick- backs in pretext of helping the women access the fund.
At least 222 women groups in the three sub regions are expected to benefit especially the disabled, widows, those affected by HIV/Aids and women headed family.
The 43 billion Shillings program was launched by Prime Minster, Dr Ruhakana Rugunda launched in February this year.
