On September 1, 2021, European Union Head of Delegation to Uganda, H.E Ambassador Attilio Pacifici joined the Minister of State for Relief and Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, Hon. Esther Davina Anyakun to officially launch the Pro-Resilience Action Project (Pro-ACT), a EUR 4 million (UGX 16.69 billion) EU funded project that seeks to improve how Karamoja region responds to food shocks. 

At the launch event, attended by  EU Heads of Mission in Uganda on a five day tour of the sub-region, UN agencies and government emphasised the need for greater inclusion of the poor and vulnerable people in Uganda's disaster response. Ambassador Pacifici appreciated the Government of Uganda for being at the fore front of all development and emergency programmes in the country.

"Thanks to Pro-ACT, local and national stakeholders will increase their capacity to share timely and accurate information that will support communities to prepare for and manage shocks. This action will also contribute to ongoing policy dialogue on Disaster Risk Financing and the Disaster Risk Management legal framework," said Ambassador Pacifici. "Without government, interventions, especially those that address climate disasters, would not be sustainable. That is why Pro-ACT supports national and local auathorities with the resources they need to plan and deliver responses that effetively meet the needs of the people."

Karamoja has consistently had the lowest development indicators in the country. At 66%, the region's poverty rate is three times the national poverty rate of 20%. As part of Pro-ACT, the EU is contributing to WFP's lean season response by providing a protective ration, assistance that will help reduce the likelihood of sharing specialized nutritious food that is meant for treatment of malnutrition in children under five and pregnant and breast feeding mothers. 

Minister Anyakun said ordinary citizens need simple weather information that they can understand and act upon. "Government welcomes the project because it aims to empower communities with information and provide sustainable solutions. Information is power and, in the case of shocks, information is life saving," she said.