From the American people jointly sponsored by USAID
and the Government of Uganda

USAID Mission Director Commissions Oyam District Engineering Block

On January 24th 2012 the Mission Director USAID Uganda, Dave Eckerson visited the NUDEIL program in Gulu, Northern Uganda. The NUDEIL program, funded by USAID is working through the Districts in the northern region to provide for income-producing job opportunities; increase government services to the population; and lay the foundations for longer term development of the north.

The program is now in its third year and projects to date have been implemented by the Districts with technical support from Winrock International. Projects include the construction of roads, schools, water sources and District administration buildings through labour intensive means. The Mission Director’s visit was timely for the NUDEIL program team as it marked the expansion of the program from four districts to six with the introduction of projects in Nwoya and Lamwo this year.

Dave Eckerson travelled with the NUDEIL and USAID teams to Oyam District to inaugurate a newly constructed District engineering block funded by the program. The thanks and appreciation from Oyam District and community was overwhelming with Dave being presented with a goat to mark the occasion.

Dave Eckerson’s words rang true when he spoke of the role of the District and community in maintaining these infrastructural assets to ensure for their longevity. As Dave Eckerson said, it is not merely enough to appreciate this project but instead to ensure for the successful creation and implementation of maintenance plans for the buildings, water sources and roads by making sure that small costs and labour are injected into these projects as required, so that these roads and buildings are still standing when we retire!

February 2012