KOLE DISTRICT — Hon. Dr. Lakisa Mercy, Woman Member of Parliament for Alebtong District and Minister of State for Youth and Children’s Affairs, yesterday joined communities in Aboke, Kole District, to mark the closure and transition of World Vision Uganda’s 19-year Aboke Area Development Programme.
The milestone was marked at Wigwa Primary School, where communities reflected on the impact of nearly two decades of interventions in education, healthcare, clean water and child protection.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Dr. Lakisa Mercy highlighted the progress achieved through the partnership between World Vision Uganda, government and local communities.
She noted that healthcare access in the area had increased from 43 percent to 92 percent during the programme period, alongside interventions aimed at improving education, access to clean water and child protection.
Hon. Dr. Lakisa Mercy commended the people of Aboke for their resilience in rebuilding communities affected by years of conflict and creating better opportunities for children and families.
She, however, stressed that the closure of World Vision Uganda’s programme should not mark the end of efforts to protect children and sustain the gains achieved over the past 19 years.
The Minister urged communities to stop settling child abuse and defilement cases outside the formal justice system, emphasizing that children depended on adults and institutions to defend their rights and safety.
She called for stronger community action to ensure that children were protected from abuse and that cases involving violations of their rights were handled through the law.
Hon. Dr. Lakisa Mercy further noted that the Government remained committed to strengthening local Child Protection Committees to protect children and build on the achievements made during World Vision Uganda’s presence in Aboke.
She also commended World Vision Uganda for its 19 years of service and partnership, saying the organisation had contributed to rebuilding communities, empowering families and giving children greater hope for the future.
The closure of the Aboke Area Development Programme marked a transition towards community- and government-led efforts to sustain the gains achieved during the 19-year programme.
