According to the findings carried out by academicians from Lira university spear headed by associate Professor Judith Akello Abal on UWEP Program in Amolatar District, women who took on farming in the program were affected by floods and prolonged draughts.
While sharing the findings at the education hall at Amolatar district head quarters, Prof Akello Abal asserted that amidst some challenges, many women from Arwotcek and town council have registered tremendous achievements in the program.
She added that other women engaged in saloon, restaurants, chicken rearing and pig rearing among others and have been able to send children to school, expanded their businesses, and improved livelihoods among others.
Meanwhile Dr Amir Kabunga a mental health psychologist at Lira University called upon the UWEP beneficiaries to take mental health issues with utmost concern because at least more 400 people die of stress, depression and other mental health related cases.
Dr Amir said that majority of those who die are mainly men because of what the African culture has built in them that men; this he says has built in men the mentality of staying silent even when going through a lot of pain.
He called upon everyone to always seek for psychosocial and emotional therapy from professional psychologists.
He also tasked stake holders to endeavor to document the findings and successes of different programs that they implement.
The chief administrative officer applauded Lira University for the research they conducted of UWEP in Amolatar.
Sam Paul Mpiibwa CAO who was represented by James Odongo said that as a district, the will use the research findings to fill in the gaps in the program.
The district community development officer urged the beneficiaries to use the money productively and also pay back on time so that it paves way for other programs like GROW that is coming soon.
Patrick Otile also added that men should be sensitized in this program to mitigate gender based violence.
Laker Concy one of the beneficiaries who couldn’t hide her joy about her achievements said that she has been able to expand her saloon and cosmetics business.
She added that she also bought some livestock to boost up her saloon business,
Molly Ogwok another beneficiary called upon the government to enroll the programs to all the 16 sub counties of Amolatar.
She also urged the women to sensitize other collegues who have not yet benefited
UWEP program was rolled out to Amolatar in 3rd march 2016 with the objective of empowering women to improve their income level and their contributions to economic development.
