The long-anticipated Northern Uganda Social Action Fund (NUSAF) IV is scheduled to commence in July 2025, according to the Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister (General Duties), Hon. Justine Lumumba.
This government-led initiative, designed to bolster social protection and development in nine sub-regions West Nile, Acholi, Lango, Teso, Karamoja, Bukedi, Bunyoro, and Busoga was originally set to launch in 2023 but faced delays.
While appearing before the Committee on Presidential Affairs to present the ministry’s policy statement on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, Lumumba disclosed that the US$276 million project has now been factored into the 2025/2026 financial year budget.
“Key groundwork activities are progressing smoothly. Negotiations for NUSAF IV have been concluded,” she stated.
As the successor to NUSAF III, this five-year initiative is projected to benefit over three million individuals by providing enhanced agricultural inputs, investment capital, and value addition equipment.
Lumumba also highlighted that the government will roll out the Development Response to Displacement Impacts Project (DRDIP) II in the 2025/2026 fiscal year.
This World Bank-supported program is spearheaded by the government to address social, economic, and environmental concerns within host communities in refugee-affected districts. The project aims to enhance access to essential services, increase economic prospects, and promote sustainable environmental management.
According to Lumumba, a budget of US$278 million has been secured for the program, which will span six years and target 3.5 million Ugandans.
“This time, we will incorporate the refugee transit districts of Kisoro, Amuru, Kitgum, Ntoroko, Bundibugyo, and Zombo,” she added.
She, however, urged lawmakers to adopt a flexible approach in addressing refugee-related issues, as such matters often necessitate policy adjustments.
“As we deliberate on this, we are drafting a proposal for Cabinet regarding food assistance for refugees. Donors have informed us that they can only sustain food provisions for the next three months. Given that we are dealing with 1.7 million people, delaying this intervention is not an option,” she emphasized.
The Minister of State for Northern Uganda, Hon. Kenneth Omona, underscored that NUSAF IV will primarily focus on boosting production and empowering communities.
“Government deemed it necessary to introduce NUSAF IV, and fortunately, we have re-engaged our development partners, who have agreed to provide financial support,” he noted.
Adjumani District Woman MP, Hon. Jesca Ababiku, welcomed the introduction of NUSAF IV and DRDIP II, emphasizing that these initiatives were long overdue.
She, however, urged the ministers to keep local governments informed about the developments, noting that some districts are still under pressure to finalize DRDIP I projects, assuming the program has concluded.
Hon. James Mamawi (NRM, Adjumani East County) acknowledged the progress made in DRDIP I districts but called for clarity on how these grant-supported programs align with broader government initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM).
