The government has launched the Northern Uganda Social Action Fund (NUSAF IV), a 1 trillion shilling programme designed to tackle poverty across nine sub-regions and create jobs until December 2031. The initiative covers Acholi, West Nile, Lango, Teso, Karamoja, Elgon, Bukedi, Busoga and Bunyoro, with targets to create 860,000 jobs and strengthen resilience among 1.8 million vulnerable people, according to information provided during the induction of local government leaders and technical staff in Gulu City.
Officials from the World Bank and government outlined the programme's ambitions and warned against the pitfalls that have hampered previous efforts. James Ebitu, a senior World Bank official, called on local governments to maintain transparency and accountability during implementation, noting that support would be tailored to account for differing levels of vulnerability across the targeted areas. The Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister, Alex Kakooza, urged district leaders to incorporate the programme's activities into their development plans while cautioning against political favouritism, demands for unofficial payments and poor financial accountability.
District leaders and city officials raised concerns grounded in past experience. Pader District chairperson Alfred Akena welcomed the initiative but warned against repeating earlier problems, including alleged diversion of funds and failure to reach intended beneficiaries. He also pressed for climate change considerations to be integrated into how the programme operates and called for protection of community land interests. Gulu City Mayor Julius Achire Labeja urged programme managers to prioritise youth skills development and employment so young people can benefit.
The State Minister for Northern Uganda, Beatrice Akori, instructed local leaders to use radio broadcasts and community engagements to inform residents about the programme and how they can access its benefits. NUSAF was introduced in 2003 to support recovery and poverty reduction in northern Uganda. The fourth phase aims to build on earlier work by strengthening sustainable livelihoods, social protection and household resilience across the nine targeted sub-regions.
For savers, borrowers, business owners and investors in Uganda, this programme could affect employment opportunities and the financial health of households in nine sub-regions over the next five years through job creation and improved resilience among vulnerable populations.