SOROTI: The rehabilitation committee implementing the presidential programme for the Teso sub region has commenced its activities Thursday by engaging with security chiefs across the Teso region.
Led by H.E VP Maj. Retired Jessica Alupo, the committee emphasized the importance of collaboration among security officials to ensure the programme’s success for the benefit of the Teso people.
During the meeting, the vice president tasked the security chiefs with addressing twelve critical questions to gauge the programs feasibility, particularly in light of the existing security situation in the region.
Key topics for discussion included: public perceptions regarding the presidential directive on the animal rehabilitation program, the roles of various agencies will play to facilitate success, and proposed payment modalities-such as providing livestock directly or offering cash alternatives.
Vice President Alupo emphasized the importance of utilising funds specifically for livestock purchases and managing potential household and community conflicts that may arise from cash disbursements.
She also asked the chiefs to assess the current security landscape in Teso and propose solutions to ensure it does not hinder the programme’s rollout.
Other issues on the agenda involved identifying emerging threats, including cattle thefts, clan rivalries, and political mobilisation, which could impede the programme’s implementation.
The meeting also aimed to establish an effective monitoring framework to guarantee the programme’s success and create plans to address disputes among households.
Additionally, Alupo guided the security chiefs to propose an approach for equitable geographical distribution in the programme’s rollout, fostering peaceful coexistence between the Teso community and neighbouring tribes post-rehabilitation.
The vice president expressed the government’s commitment to the success of the program, especially in addressing concerns related to internally displaced persons, resulting from Karimojong cattle raids, the LRA war, and the UPA rebellion.
She highlighted recent initiatives,including the establishment of Soroti University of Science and Technology aimed at enhancing educational standards and benefiting the Teso community.
