By Our Reporter
Karamoja region is set to benefit from expanded access to education and skills training following a fresh commitment of $12 million from the Irish government.
Ireland’s Minister for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond, announced the pledge during a visit to Moroto to inspect Irish-funded projects in the sub-region.
Richmond said Ireland will invest 18.6 million euros ($19.5 million) in development programs in Uganda this year, with 10.5 million euros ($11 million) earmarked specifically for Karamoja.
“We are impressed by the great work done in promoting education in the region, and now we will reinforce our commitment to Uganda to drive development amidst challenges of budget cuts faced by other partners,” Richmond said.
He noted that despite reduced funding by some Western countries, Ireland remains committed to supporting vulnerable communities such as Karamoja, where its projects over the last 20 years have improved access to education and healthcare while strengthening collaboration between local and international institutions.
Richmond emphasized that education remains central to Ireland’s strategy, particularly in empowering young people and girls to become future leaders. He announced plans to construct a new dormitory at Kasimeri Primary School to improve access to quality education.
Additionally, Ireland will roll out a bursary programme targeting 1,600 students in northern Uganda—60% of them girls—from disadvantaged communities. The initiative, to be administered by Straight Talk Foundation, will cater to school fees, transport, scholastic materials, medical insurance, and living costs.
Ireland is also supporting vocational and skilling programmes in Kotido, Napak, Nakapiripirit, and Moroto districts. Pierre George Lappo, Country Director of Cooperation and Development, said many youth in Karamoja have lost livestock and are struggling to find alternative livelihoods.
He noted that unemployment has pushed some into cattle theft and alcohol abuse. With support from Ireland and in partnership with AVSI Foundation, skilling programmes are being implemented to equip young people for self-employment and emerging job opportunities in new industries within the region.
Minister for Karamoja Affairs Simon Peter Lokeris commended Ireland for consistently prioritizing the region’s development. He recalled that Irish-funded school construction between 2000 and 2010 significantly improved access to education.Lokeris cited Kasimeri Primary School as an example—once struggling to attract learners but now enrolling about 2,000 pupils annually. He said the growing enrolment reflects a shift in mindset among the people towards education as a pathway to transformation.
According to the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) 2024 census report, the Karamoja sub-region has the lowest literacy rate in Uganda at 25.4%, meaning 74.6% of the population is illiterate. This represents a significant gap compared to the national average of 74% Vincent Ssenono, Acting Deputy Executive Director at UBOS, stated,
“Education is a critical investment for Uganda’s future, yet we are seeing large numbers of children, particularly in rural areas, not attending school.”