Kampala — THE Netherlands government has given Uganda sh1.2b for the construction of a prison in Moroto district. The Dutch ambassador, Jeroen Verheal, made the revelation last week at a ground-breaking ceremony for the project in Moroto.

For development to be achieved, Verheal noted, there must be peace and rule of law. He pledged his government's commitment to helping Uganda have conducive conditions for development.

He also appealed for the observance of human rights while handling criminals. "Crime cannot be avoided, but criminals must be separated, rehabilitated and treated well." The Karamoja affairs state minister, Aston Kajara, hailed the Netherlands government for the support.

He said the overall budget for developing and disarming Karamoja was sh455b. Kajara revealed that 25,000 illegal guns had been recovered and more Police officers deployed to the region to keep law and order.

He noted that social services in the region had improved, especially in education, health and provision of water. The Government, Kajara said, was committed to totally pacifying Karamoja and improving its infrastructure.

The commissioner general of Prisons, Dr. Deo Byabashaija, thanked the Dutch for the support and promised to ensure that the facilities were well-utilised.

The regional Prisons commander, Julius Asiimwe, said construction was expected to be completed in eight months.