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Optimism is sweeping across the Karamoja Sub-region, with both locals and leaders hopeful that long-awaited change is finally on the horizon after decades of challenges. This positive outlook, however, may quickly fade if deliberate efforts are not made to empower local communities to take advantage of the emerging opportunities.

According to the Ministry of Education, literacy rates in Karamoja are among the lowest in Uganda.

To address this, the government is rolling out new initiatives aimed at increasing access to education and encouraging parents to send their children to school.

One key initiative, supported by both the Ministry of Karamoja Affairs and local leaders, is the construction of boarding schools to ensure children stay in school, thus reducing dropout rates. These schools are seen as a solution to prevent children from being forced into labour or early marriages, both of which contribute to high dropout rates.

For decades, Karamoja Sub-region has been plagued by insecurity, driven largely by cattle rustling and the influence of commercial cattle traders who use local rustlers to spread violence.

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