OTUKE: UGX 1.5bn business and governance center commissioned

Otuke, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The government has commissioned the inaugural Business and Governance Center in Otuke district worth over Shillings 1.5 billion. The center was constructed through collaboration between the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), the Development Initiative for Northern Uganda (DINU), the Ministry of Local Government, and Otuke District Local Government.

It is set to house the first banking institutions and pharmacies in the district, alongside private shops, restaurants, a day-care center, a supermarket, and a conference hall. Strategically located in the heart of eight districts including Abim, Amuria, Kapelebyong, Agago, Kotido, Pader Alebtong, and Lira, this project is expected to draw customers from the entire region.

It is expected to create a new revenue stream for the district through rent payments, trading licenses, and the hiring of conference facilities. During the commissioning of the project, Grace Freedom Kwiyucwiny, the Minister of State for Northern Uganda, advised district officials to leverage the center to generate data for production, thus facilitating development in the district. She emphasized the need to protect the building.

With this facility in place, the minister urged the locals to initiate development projects instead of solely relying on government initiatives.

Dmitry Pozhidaev, the head of the UNCDF office in Uganda, cautioned that without innovative ideas on how to utilize such facilities, their potential could go to waste. He stressed that the facility should be a catalyst for transforming Otuke into an economic hub in the region.

Meanwhile, in a speech delivered by Stephen Koma, a commissioner in the Ministry of Local Government, Minister Raphael Magezi urged the people of Otuke to embrace government programs aimed at fostering development.

Some community members who witnessed the commissioning, said they are ready to start up small businesses in the business center instead of the open market, which exposes them to losses in case it rains.

The Otuke Governance Centre has been commissioned . The facility is creating interface between governance & the private sector Constructed under DINU project with funding from @GovUganda , @EUinUG @UNCDFLocalDev,@OPMUganda @OPMDINU1 will serve a minimum of 5,000 beneficiaries. pic.twitter.com/NuovzN0ZpX

— Ministry of Local Government (@MoLGUganda) September 16, 2023

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