Uganda |
Disaster Assistance at a Glance
Recent Disaster Declarations:
Floods
OFDA Response:
Agriculture and food security, coordination, health, livelihoods, nutrition, protection, water, sanitation, and hygiene
Latest OFDA Report:
Uganda Complex Emergency Situation Report #2 (80kb PDF)
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Most Recent Disaster Declaration:
Food Security Crisis, 11-04-2008
Since 2003, frequent drought, civil insecurity, and animal disease outbreaks resulted in significantly deteriorated food security in Karamoja Region in western Uganda. In August, the USAID-supported Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) estimated 750,000 people in the region as highly food insecure. According to the U.N. World Food Program (WFP), approximately 50 percent of the region’s population depended on food aid and expected to require assistance through 2009. An outbreak of peste des petits ruminants resulted in the death of nearly 25 percent of the small ruminant population between early 2007 and August 2008, according to the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). In addition, FEWS NET reported cattle thefts and road ambushes increased civil insecurity of vulnerable populations.
On November 3, U.S. Ambassador Steven A. Browning declared a disaster due to the effects of food insecurity. USAID/OFDA issued an annual program statement (APS) requesting proposals to mitigate the impact of the drought and the global food price crisis in Karamoja. USAID/OFDA staff continue to monitor the humanitarian situation in the region.
Additional Disaster Declarations:
Complex Emergency, 10-18-2007
Since 1986, protracted conflict between the Lord’s Resistance Army and the Government of Uganda has created a complex emergency in northern Uganda, marked by violent attacks against civilians, extensive displacement, and the abduction of children for forced conscription, labor, and sexual servitude. In 2006 and 2007, improved security and significant progress toward a negotiated settlement to the conflict encouraged an estimated 920,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) to return to areas of origin. However, the situation remains tenuous, and an additional 916,000 IDPs continue to reside in overcrowded camps. Many IDPs and returnees continue to lack access to essential services in conflict-affected areas, particularly in Gulu, Amuru, Kitgum, and Pader districts. In addition, looting and cattle raids by Karamojong pastoralists in eastern Uganda continue to contribute to the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
On October 18, 2007, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Andrew G. Chritton redeclared a disaster in response to the ongoing humanitarian emergency in northern Uganda. Since 1994, USAID/OFDA has provided nearly $58 million to support ongoing humanitarian assistance to vulnerable populations in Uganda. Activities have included the provision of emergency relief supplies, health care, nutrition programs, and water and sanitation services, as well as food security and income generation programs.
Floods, 09-14-2007
Since May 2007, heavy rains have led to flooding in Uganda’s Teso Region, particularly affecting Katakwi and Amuria districts, where subsistence farming families have suffered crop losses and damage to huts. From September 4 to 7, a joint USAID/OFDA, USAID/Uganda, and USAID/FFP team conducted a humanitarian assessment of affected areas and estimated that 45,000 people remain at risk. The cumulative effects of the rainfall have begun to compromise the structural integrity of many dirt homes, contaminate wells, inundate latrines, and wash away seeds and cassava cuttings. The USAID team also reported significant crop loss, minimal food reserves, and a lack of planting material for the upcoming agricultural season. On September 8, the Government of Uganda Office of the Prime Minister requested international assistance to mitigate the effects of the flooding.
On September 14, 2007, U.S. Ambassador Steven A. Browning declared a disaster due to the impact of flooding in Uganda’s Teso Region. In response, USAID/OFDA provided $100,000 through USAID/Uganda for shelter and emergency water and sanitation activities for affected populations. On September 21, USAID/OFDA provided an additional $400,000 to provide agricultural inputs to meet emergency needs addressed through the Flash Appeal launched by the U.N.
For information on additional USAID disaster responses in Uganda, please see OFDA Annual Reports.
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