Kampala — The government of Norway has given Uganda a grant worth shs78 billion (239 Million Kroner) which will be used to support various efforts to fight poverty, and also help it strengthen the management of its young oil and gas sector.

According to a statement from the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Keith Muhakanizi, the grant will also enhance the forest and meat export sectors and also cover rural electrification.

The statement says that 65 Million Kroner (shs22 billion)will be used to strengthen the government's program to fight poverty while 80 Million 27,079,137,640 Kroner will go to the oil and gas sector to ensure well coordinated and results oriented resource management and improve areas of revenue.

At least 69 Million kroner (shs23 billion) will help the National Forestry Authority to restores forest plantations and degraded forest reserves especially in Northern Uganda.

Also, 20 million Kroner (shs6 billion) will be used to support the Uganda Meat Export Development Program aimed at developing an export-oriented meat industry in Uganda.

"The program is expected to establish disease control zones, enhance livestock production, develop animal health and meat hygiene services and also establish the Uganda Meat Export Company that will ensure sustainability of the program," Mr Muhakanizi said.

An undisclosed amount will be used to finance the feasibility study of the establishment of six Rural Electrification Projects aimed at increasing access to energy by the rural people especially in Northern Uganda.