Since the late 1970s the people of northern Uganda have suffered from guerrilla warfare carried out by rebel groups who have killed many innocent civilians. Over 2 million people are affected by the crisis with an estimated 1.4 million people displaced as a result of insecurity. From June 2002 to June 2003 alone 8,400 children were abducted by the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA), a total of 20,000 children during the lifetime of the LRA’s insurgency. HIV infection is a rapidly growing problem and rates have risen as high as 12.5%. Malaria prevalence in under-fives has reached 77% and maternal mortality is more than twice the national average (1,200 per 100,000 live births).

ACT member, Lutheran World Federation Uganda intends to continue working in the same target districts as implemented under AFUG 12 and AFUG 32 in Northern Uganda for internally displaced persons in Adjumani, Katakwi and Kitgum districts. This appeal will addresses an expanded range of sectors such as nutrition, water, hygiene/sanitation, protection, essential relief items for resettlement, shelter, and food security. ACT member the Church of Uganda, are also intending to submit an ACT appeal to assist IDPs in Kitgum, which will be co-ordinated with LWF Uganda.

In 2005, there is hope for peace and if this were to happen, the LWF Uganda would work with the IDPs to assist them in returning to their respective homes, albeit on a gradual basis, with close monitoring of the security situation.

Project Completion Date:

31 December 2005

Total Appeal Target(s): 1,781,404

Less: Pledges/Contr. Recd.: 0

Balance Requested from ACT Alliance: 1,781,404

Jenny Borden
Interim Director, ACT Co-ordinating Office