What is SSD?

Karamoja region in which Moroto Diocese is situated is among the poorest and most under developed regions in Uganda with the majority of its people under the nationally defined poverty line (UPPAP, MFPED report 2003). The region is situated to the north-eastern of Uganda.Karamoja has the worst social indicators compared to other regions in Uganda. The five districts of Karamoja namely; Moroto, Kotido, Nakapiripirit, Kabong and Abim occupy the three worst positions in the ranking of Human Development index and human poverty index (2002). There is under development and wide spread poverty levels in the region some causes to these are: · Wide spread insecurity in the region.

Conflicts, tradition of cattle rustling (inter clan conflicts) · Long term neglect of the region by successive governments fuelled the problems in Karamoja. · Poor infrastructure, · Poor agricultural and animal husbandry practices, · Environmental degradation, · Low literacy level and · Lack of alternative livelihoods. · Continuous drought (every 3-4 years there is serious drought) this has compelled some people to go to other towns in search of food.

Social services and Development (SSD) is a technical/development arm of Moroto Catholic Diocese, also known as Caritas. SSD is one of the five Departments that is; Pastoral, Education, Health, Finance. Its mandate is to bring about socio-economic development for the poverty stricken and marginalised Karamojong communities in collaboration with other departments in the Diocese and the Districts of Moroto and Nakapiripirit.SSD is a Faith based development organization employing up to twenty four (24) fulltime staff.

Vision: To have a Peacefull Dignified and Self-reliant community in Moroto Diocese.

Mission: To strengthen the capacity of subsistence farmers and vulnerable groups for equitable and sustainable rural development guided by love, respect.

Core Values: Love, Respect, Commitment, Integrity, Transparency and Accountability.

The Mandate of SSD
The Social Services and Development (SSD) Department was created in 1981 as a technical development arm of Moroto Diocese. Originally conceived as a relief agency to avert catastrophes during times of calamities and food shortages, the department is now the overseer of all the diocesan development programs.
SSD’s mandate is to carry out development throughout Moroto diocese, that is, in all the 11 parishes of the diocese. The departments activities are geared towards promotion of agricultural and livestock production (focusing on farmer groups), awareness raising for and capacity building of rural communities (Development Education Programme), peace building and conflict transformation, Gender and community rehabilitation, HIV/AIDS, apiary (beekeeping), sustainable natural resource management and evangelisation through media.

Conclusion
SSD is working hard to streamline its administrative systems and procedures such as Human Resource Manual, Finance Manual, Gender Policy, Justice and Peace Strategy, Revised Strategic Plan. We need the contribution of the Commission towards the placement of these important documents.

Fr. Thomas Achia - SSD Director