OPM Donates 955 Iron Sheets to Churches, Women’s Group in Kitgum

The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) has donated 955 iron sheets to churches and a women's group in Kitgum District, responding to a request from the beneficiaries. The donation was delivered at the Kitgum District headquarters by Lillian Aber, the State Minister for Disaster Preparedness, Relief, and Refugees, who also serves as the Kitgum Woman Member of Parliament.

Minister Aber emphasized that the donation demonstrates the government’s commitment to supporting community development in Kitgum. "We are committed to supporting the development of our communities, and this donation is a testament to that commitment," Aber said. "I urge the beneficiaries to use the iron sheets wisely and for the intended purpose."

The distribution of the iron sheets included St. Mary's Catholic Church, Kitgum Matidi Town Council, which received 115 iron sheets; Camcam Chapel, which received 70 iron sheets; Ocetoke Church of Uganda, which received 120 iron sheets; and Kitgum Women’s Group, which received 290 iron sheets. 

Stella Abyeto, the Kitgum District Chief Administrative Officer, expressed gratitude to the OPM, stating that the district had been struggling to meet the demand for iron sheets. "We are grateful to the OPM for this donation. The iron sheets will go a long way in supporting the development of our communities," Abyeto said.

Arwai Christopher Obol, the Kitgum District Chairperson, cautioned beneficiaries against misusing the donation. "We urge the beneficiaries to use the iron sheets for the intended purpose and not to sell them or use them for personal gain," Obol warned.

Jimmy Ssegawa Ebil, the Kitgum Resident District Commissioner (RDC), urged Minister Aber to extend further support to Chua East County, where residents face frequent disturbances from wildlife such as elephants and buffaloes. "These people need to be supported as well. We need to find a way to protect them from these wild animals and support them in their development efforts," Ebil said. He noted that just last month, one person was killed, and two others were injured in a buffalo attack.

Wilberforce Komakech, a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Kitgum Matidi Town Council, thanked the OPM and Minister Aber for responding to their long-standing request for iron sheets. "We have been struggling to get assistance to roof our church structure, but thank God the OPM has rescued us," Komakech said. He added that the donation would significantly boost community development and improve livelihoods in Kitgum District.