Quarterly Report January –March 2011

The program focuses on three objectives: increasing access to information on peace, recovery, and development issues in Northern Uganda; increasing the visibility of and confidence in all levels of government; and supporting Truth and Reconciliation processes. The program has made significant progress in achieving these objectives. In January-March 2011, the program cleared 280 grants, totaling $14,233,991. This represents a significant increase from the previous quarter. The program also handed over the Awag primary school to the Gulu District Local Government and inaugurated three community justice centers in Agago, Kiryandongo, and Otuke districts. The program has also made significant investments in infrastructure development, including the renovation of the Lira High Court and the completion of the Agago District Court. Additionally, the program supported the launch of the Northern Uganda Tourism Promotion Plan and provided training for local government officials and journalists on media relations. The program has also made progress in promoting peace and stability in the region. The Wang'Kwaro Acholi ceremonies, a traditional ceremony aimed at promoting peace and reconciliation, were successfully conducted in Pader and Agago districts. The program also supported the training of local government officials and journalists on peace and elections journalism. The program has also faced some challenges, including uncertainty about funding due to confusion between OTI and USAID's Office of Acquisition Assistance. However, the program was able to quickly resolve the issue and continue with grant making, clearing 280 grants in the first quarter of 2011. The program has also made significant progress in promoting economic development in the region. The program supported the launch of the Northern Uganda Tourism Promotion Plan, which aims to promote tourism in the region. The program also provided training for local government officials and contractors on public procurement regulations. The program has also made progress in promoting peace and stability in the region. The program supported the Wang'Kwaro Acholi ceremonies, which aim to promote peace and reconciliation in the region. The program also provided training for local government officials and journalists on peace and elections journalism. The program has also faced some challenges, including the overthrow of dictatorial regimes in Egypt and Tunisia and violent anti-government protests in Yemen, Syria, and Bahrain. However, the program has continued to make progress in promoting peace and stability in the region. The program has also faced some challenges, including the uncertainty about security and stability across the region. However, the program has continued to make progress in promoting peace and stability in the region.