Lira, July 25, 2024 – Assistant Resident City Commissioner (ARCC) for Lira City, Bonny Ferdinand Okello Alele, has called on Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to prioritize economic empowerment programs for beneficiaries to complement government efforts in reducing poverty and driving socio-economic transformation in Uganda.
Addressing a one-day engagement meeting with young people, DREAMS ambassadors, health officials, and representatives from JCRC, Alele expressed concern over some NGOs focusing on workshops and allowances rather than substantive impact. He commended JCRC for incorporating economic empowerment into their project strategy.
“The President, Yoweri Museveni, and the NRM government are committed to lifting people out of poverty,” said Alele. “We can achieve this by speaking the same language and leveraging youth groups through programs like PDM and YLP.”
He encouraged participants to take advantage of the vocational hub at Lira University to enhance their skills and economic prospects. Alele emphasized that this initiative is non-political and aimed at economic transformation.
The ARCC also highlighted the importance of engaging boys to prevent a crisis of irresponsible men. He warned that overemphasis on female empowerment without addressing the needs of boys could lead to social imbalances.
The office of the presidency in Lira City pledged to support the promotion of a money economy and discourage political distractions.
