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Moroto, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Leaders in Karamoja have applauded the United Nations International Children’s Fund country’s representative Dr. Munir Safieldin for his contribution to improving education and health in the sub-region.
Dr Munir who has been in the International Service for 31 years has ended his stay in Uganda after spending over four years as a UNICEF country representative. Dr Munir retires and will return to his motherland – Sudan.
The leaders expressed their gratitude while bidding farewell to Dr Munir who was praised for supporting the health and education system during his tenure.
They commended and praised Dr.Munir for his exemplary performance and leadership qualities in steering UNICEF to provide services to vulnerable people, especially during the outbreak of pandemics (COVID-19 and Ebola), and other similar disasters and emergencies in Uganda.
John Paul Kodet, the LCV Chairperson Napak district said that UNICEF supported schools with water facilities which increased enrollment and retention rates.
Kodet urged Dr Munir to continue advocating for the support of the Karamojong Children for the betterment of their future. He said that they are committed to making sure that they return all the children who are still trapped in the streets of Kampala and settle them in schools.
Maj Gen Don William Nabasa, Commander of the 3rd Infantry Division of Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) lauded the contributions extended by UNICEF and other partners in supporting the government’s efforts in transforming the Karamoja Sub-region.
Nabasa noted that there is still a long way to achieve the goal of securing the future of young people in the Karamoja sub-region. He said that the poverty rates are still higher and this has contributed to child rights violations.
Dr James Lemukol, the Moroto District Health Officer noted that UNICEF under the leadership of Dr Munir contributed a lot to unprivileged women and children in the region.
Lemukol noted that the region was characterized by humanitarian calamities such as famine, malnutrition, and disease outbreaks. He said that they stood firm and managed to navigate through the barriers with support from partners like UNICEF.
Dr Munir applauded the Ugandan government for its cooperation and efforts to manage Ebola, Cholera, and Covid 19 virus. He said that he found it very easy to work with government officials compared to other countries.
He also expressed his gratitude to the government for accepting to host over 1.7 million refugees.
Dr. Munir called upon the U.N. agencies to come together to help in delivering countries including Uganda.
He also observed that the UNICEF team has been working tirelessly to ensure that the health and education system does not collapse during the time of Covid 19 outbreak.
UNICEF has been supporting schools with WASH projects, play materials, capacity building, teachers training, life skills, go back to school campaigns, and the fight against malnutrition among the children.
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