The government has earmarked 40 million British pounds (over 160 billion Uganda shillings) to up lift the plight of people living under chronic poverty in five districts of Uganda.

The minister for Gender Labor and social development, Syda Bumba says the program is targeting Elderly and venerable families living under chronic poverty.

The districts which will benefit from the intervention include Katakwi, Moroto,Apac, Nebbi and Nakapiripirit, with 600,000 elderly persons and vulnerable families targeted.

She says the program is a component of 160 billion shillings offered by the Irish government UNICEF, and the UK Department for international development.

Each of the beneficiaries will receive 220,000 shillings every month, to enable then access essential necessities.

Minister Syda Bumba says the program will soon be rolled out to other parts of the country where more vulnerable Ugandans will benefit.

By Olive Eyotaru