evaluation of general food distribution in northern uganda: gulu ...

3 NORTHERN UGANDA – A CHALLENGING CONTEXT3.1 Poverty & Conflict in Northern UgandaThe districts of Amuru, Gulu, Kitgum and Pader in the Acholi Sub region in Northern Ugandahave been at the centre of a conflict between the Government of Uganda (GOU) and theLord’s Resistance Army (LRA) for more than 22 years. The protracted conflict has lead tomassive internal population displacements in Northern Uganda. At the height of theinsurgency (2002 -2004) nearly 2 million people were forced to live in crowded camps. In theAcholi region alone, more than a million people were living in 112 camps. Insecurityhampered free movement, to the effect that people were confined in camps for years 7 . Thiscontributed to making North Uganda the third, among the 10 worst internal displacementsituations in the world 8 .The war had a direct impact on people’s lives and ability for survival. Over 20.000 childrenhave been abducted by the LRA and forced into the rebel forces as child soldiers. Abductedgirls and young women were subjected to sexual enslavement and forced to serve as wivesto LRA rebels 9 . In addition to repeated gross human rights violations 10 , countless lives havebeen lost and assets, social infrastructure and livelihoods destroyed. Health indicators duringmany years reflected discouraging trends. Between 1995 and 2000 infant mortality increasedfrom 81 to 88 deaths per 1000 live births. Mortality amongst children under the age of fiveincreased from 147 to 152 per 1,000 deaths 11 , stunting reached the level of 39% and by early2000 the global acute malnutrition rates reached an alarming 20% in many parts of theNorth. 12Northern Uganda accounts for over 20% of Uganda’s arable land. Traditionally this area wasknown as the breadbasket of Uganda as it produced a food surplus that was sold in otherparts of the country. However, the impact of the conflict changed this favourable situation,and from being farmers and livestock herders, people became largely dependent onhumanitarian assistance for their survival. The conflict has contributed to high poverty levels,which range between 61 – 70% and are more than double the national average of 31% 13 .The war widened the poverty gap between the North and the rest of the country from 17% in1992 to 30% in 2005/06. Today, almost half (44.3%) of the poorest 20% in Uganda live inNorthern Uganda, many of whom are extremely vulnerable individuals 14 .With time the humanitarian crisis has drawn international attention. Resourc es channelledtowards emergency assistance have grown substantially from USD 42 million in 2002, USD204 million in 2006 and close to USD 300 million in 2007. 15 Although the regularity of thehumanitarian assistance varied due to the security situation, provision of basic socialservices, food, medicine and other support services have been extended to the IDPs.3.2 Peace Process & ReturnsThe security situation in Northern Uganda has improved significantly since the signing of acessation of hostilities agreement in August 2006 and the peace talks in Juba. The respiteimproved mobility, access for humanitarian assistance, increased movement, access to land,and sparked the re-emergence of economic life in parts of the region. However, while the7EU, 2007: Northern Uganda Agricultural Recovery Programme: Identification Mission Report8IDMC/NRC: Internal Displacement - Global Overview of Trends and Developments in 20059Feinstein International Center: Movement on the Margins: Livelihoods and Security in Kitgum District, Northern Uganda10Abductions, conscription, mutilations, rape and other forms of sexual violence,11A UNICEF situation analysis report of 2005 states that the dire situation resulted in over 400 children under the age of fivewould die each week from easily preventable diseases including malaria, diarrhoea, anaemia and malnutrition.12WFP PRRO 2005-2008132005/06 Uganda National Household Survey14Orphans, widows, children heading households and the elderly15UNIRIN, November 200710