Government Introduces NUSAF IV Strategy to Combat Poverty in Bukedi

The Ugandan government is rolling out a new funding and implementation strategy under the fourth phase of the Northern Uganda Social Action Fund (NUSAF IV) to target poverty in the Bukedi sub-region. Funded at $276 million (Shs1.16 trillion), the five-year initiative spans 104 local governments across the country and targets all seven districts in Bukedi to boost household incomes, tackle child malnutrition, and mitigate recurring natural disasters like flooding.

To prepare for the rollout, district political and technical leaders in Bukedi recently completed a two-day induction training organised by the Office of the Prime Minister. Beatrice Akello Okori, the Minister of State for Northern Uganda, emphasized that NUSAF IV introduces stricter financial controls to rectify shortcomings observed in earlier phases. Unlike past interventions where third-party contractors procured goods on behalf of beneficiaries—a practice local leaders argued led to inflated prices and resource wastage—funds will now go directly to group accounts.

Under the updated framework, money will be disbursed in phases tied to specific project milestones, such as initial land preparation followed by subsequent activities for agricultural ventures like coffee farming. This systematic approach aims to foster collective responsibility and ensure sustainable resource utilization. Furthermore, the programme will tackle child malnutrition, which affects approximately 27 percent of children in Bukedi due to stunted growth. Vulnerable mothers will receive monthly cash grants of Shs48,000, or Shs96,000 for those with twins, alongside training in growing fruits and vegetables for better household nutrition.

To address climate vulnerabilities, particularly in flood-prone areas like Butaleja and Tororo, NUSAF IV will implement labor-intensive public works managed directly by local communities. Officials also highlighted that tackling a negative mindset toward wealth creation is crucial, while local leaders stressed the importance of robust oversight. To safeguard against corruption, the Office of the Prime Minister plans to introduce toll-free and WhatsApp reporting lines, enabling beneficiaries to easily flag illicit practices. Additional details can be found in the original reporting on Nile Post.