The Microfinance Support Center has kicked off a training program for the reformed warriors on financial literacy and mindset change.
According to MSC, they are planning to give out money to the reformed warriors organized in groups after undergoing financial literacy training and governance.
The training program was launched in Kaabong district this week where over 200 reformed warriors across the district were trained before it is rolled out to other districts across the region. The reformed warriors locally known as Karachunas are taken through credit management, financial literacy, and good governance in the group SACCOs.
Lydia Nambuya, the Microfinance support center zonal manager for the Moroto office says that after the training, the reformed warriors shall form one association at the district level where money will be channeled through the Microfinance support center.
Nambuya says the money from the main SACCO account will be sent to the group and later disbursed to the members.
She noted that they are also looking at forming SACCOs that will act as banks for the Karachunas because the existing commercial banks do not have packages for the reformed warriors.
Nambuya reiterated that their mandate is to offer affordable credit funds to the economically active poor and capacity building on business services.
She also warned that the money would not be for free but instead payable at low interest rates to help the group members improve on their economic transformation.
Fr Raphael Lobere, the coordinator for Karamoja reformed Warriors said that the Karachunas have been asking for alternative sources of livelihood after a long wait for government support in vain.
Lobere revealed that the pressure from the Karachunas prompted him to advocate for financial support from microfinance, the idea that was bought.
He added that through the Ministry of Karamoja Affairs, the youth have also been trained in conflict resolution and trauma healing.
Lobere observed that the initiative is not only skilling in business but changing their mindset into a peaceful means of survival.
The reformed warriors expressed their commitment to advocate for peace and prioritize economic transformation. They revealed that the delayed fulfillment of the government pledge to support them after handing over guns voluntarily had frustrated them.
Gabriel Longoli, one of the beneficiaries says they have been yearning for an alternative source of livelihood if they are to drop the cattle rustling.
Longoli noted that he foresaw a transformed life ahead after gaining knowledge on financial literacy that had been lacking to make them progress.
He revealed that he plans to embark on cereal production and livestock business using the loaned money from microfinance.
Gabriel Angura, another beneficiary, appealed to the government to consider speeding up the money disbursement process so that they can start their businesses in time.
Angura said that they have several enterprises in which they wish to invest but the only problem has been starting capital.
He also vowed to convince his colleagues who are still in the bush to also return home and concentrate on economic transformation programs.
Chris Mike Okiria, the Kaabong Resident District Commissioner welcomed the initiative saying it has come in handy for the Karachunas to boost their economic status.
Okiria noted that the skills in financial literacy are going to help the reformed warriors to manage all the government funds such as Emyooga, Parish Development Model, and their own SACCOs.
Okiria vowed to ensure proper monitoring and guidance of the reformed warriors so that the program achieves its intended purpose.
Ambrose Onoria, the Kotido Resident District Commissioner said that there were challenges to convince the warriors who are still in the bush to surrender guns because of delayed pledges from the government.
Onoria said that they have written reports to President Museveni, reminding him to fulfill the pledges so that the reformed warriors are settled.
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