World Bank, government start Shs140b gender project

The Uganda National Roads Authority executive director, Ms Allen Kagina (centre), and other officials inspect road works on Fort Portal-Kamwenge road in February. PHOTO BY FELIX BASIIME

KAMWENGE/KABAROLE- Government through the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development in partnership with the World Bank will implement a $40 million (about Shs140b) gender based violence (GBV) project.

The Permanent Secretary Ministry of Gender, Mr Pius Bigirimana, on Tuesday said plans are in final stages with the World Bank to release Shs140b to fund GBV projects with the aim of protecting women and children’s rights countrywide.

Mr Bigirimana was officiating at the launch of a Shs3.4b project code-named Supporting Children’s Opportunities Through Protection & Empowerment (SCOPE) funded by World Bank at Bigodi Primary School, Busiriba in Kamwenge District on Monday.

According to Mr Bigirimana, the project will benefit communities in the town councils and sub-counties that were affected by the sexual abuse during the construction of the Kamwenge-Fort Portal road.

Mr Bigirimana who represented the Minister of Gender, condemned children and women abusers saying that during the implementation of the GBV project, the perpetrators countrywide shall be dealt with.

Appeal
He also called upon leaders in various district to ensure timely and effective implementation of the SCOPE project.

“I ask the district leaders of Kamwenge and Kabarole to ensure SCOPE project is implemented, monitored and the issue of accountability and transparency must be observed for the project to have impact,” he said
The World Bank country manager, Ms Christina Malmberg Calvo, emphasised the need for behavioral transformation and empowerment among the locals.

She noted that the road development has seen the influx of immigrant contractors sexually abusing and violating children and women.

“I appeal to the communities and leaders to work closely and embrace the project with the Legal Aid child protection officers to ensure the survivors are rehabilitated and economically empowered,” Ms Calvo said.

The Uganda National Roads Authority executive director, Ms Allen Kagina, attributed the suspension of funding for Fort Portal-Kamwenge road by World Bank to local leaders’ failure to supervise the project.
“Following the suspension of the funding a lot of lessons were learnt and social protection issues have become a bench mark for all road projects countrywide” she said.