Uganda
http://www.ugandaclusters.ug/In 2009, Uganda faces multiple types of humanitarian emergencies. Northern and parts of eastern Uganda are transitioning out of a complex emergency stemming from 20 years of conflict. The Teso subregion is still struggling to recover from the impact of the 2007 flooding and remains vulnerable to any new natural hazards. The Karamoja region suffers from periodic drought and extended dry spells, worsened by the impact of climate change, chronic marginalization and under investment. Lastly, Uganda is host to more than 146,000 refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Rwanda and Sudan.
Camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Uganda have not yet attained minimum international standards. OCHA supports the need to pursue durable solutions for all IDPs, but will also advocate with the Government for increased participation in strengthening public infrastructure and human resource capacities. As envisaged in the national Peace, Recovery and Development Plan (PDRP) for Northern Uganda, OCHA will support the Government’s efforts to put the conflict-affected regions on par with the rest of the nation. Increased capacity is essential in the areas of health care, education, civilian administrative, judicial and security structures.
At the start of 2008, over one million individuals were able to leave the camps, with 69 per cent returning to their village of origin and 31 per cent moving to transit sites closer to home. However, over 400,000 people remain in IDP camps across the Acholi sub-region and in Amuria and Katakwi districts of the Teso sub-region.
In 2009, OCHA will follow through on the recommendations made by the November 2008 United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination team, which assisted the UN Country Team and the Government in reviewing existing preparedness plans and in developing implementation capacity.
Though the cluster approach has been fully integrated into Ugandan humanitarian programming, for several years 2009 will see significant efforts to transition cluster coordination into existing government sector working groups and national mechanisms, to increase the Government’s responsibility for coordination. The transfer of coordination arrangements should encourage greater government commitment to recovery and ownership of the transition process, particularly in the conflict-affected districts of northern Uganda.
While OCHA will continue to advocate for increased recovery programming, it is vital that the national PDRP for Northern Uganda offers adequate recovery assistance to the north. Progress on the transition from humanitarian assistance through recovery to development will be contingent on operationalizing the plan and ensuring it is fully resourced. In 2009, the UN Peace Building and Support Strategy is expected to encompass international recovery support and the streamlined Consolidated Appeals Process will represent remaining humanitarian needs only.
Throughout 2009, OCHA Uganda will maintain the office in Kampala and sub-offices in Gulu, Kotido, Moroto, Pader, Kitgum, and Soroti.
Key Objectives, Outputs and Indicators
