DWS Country Programs
Uganda/Sudan
Getting safe, clean water from a borehole in Kitgum. © LWF/DWS Uganda |
The armed conflict lasting over two decades in northern Uganda has created an acute humanitarian crisis with an estimated 1.4 million people internally displaced, many still living in crowded and degrading camps. Food security, water and sanitation, and HIV/AIDS are tremendous obstacles here and in the districts of southwestern Uganda, which are also greatly affected by drought.
In addition, the large number of refugees returning to South Sudan after twenty years of civil war need enormous support in making the transition back home. Infrastructure and basic facilities such as health and education services are severely lacking; additional instability due to LRA presence makes the area especially vulnerable.
The LWF/DWS Uganda/Sudan Program commenced operations in Uganda in 1981 to respond to the needs of poor and marginalized communities in high-risk environments. The program focuses on emergency response as well as capacity building for community-based organizations and the promotion of sustainable development.
Assistance to IDP Communities in Northern Uganda
The LWF assists internally displaced people in Kitgum, Katakwi, and Amuria districts through an emergency preparedness and response program which combats the consequences of the ongoing conflict. This is achieved through an integrated, multi-sectoral intervention comprising components of food security, shelter, water and sanitation, HIV/AIDS awareness, malaria prevention, and psychosocial support. The project has drilled boreholes and supported water user committees, constructed latrines and educated hygiene promoters, distributed emergency food and non-food relief items, and trained HIV/AIDS community educators.
HIV/AIDS Projects in Southwestern Uganda
AIDS orphan in the doorway of an LWF built home. © LWF/DWS Uganda |
The community-based HIV/AIDS projects in the districts of Rakai, Lyantonde, and Sembabule are part of the LWF’s effort to reduce the incidence of HIV transmission in Uganda. The LWF provides awareness education together with counseling services and support to people with AIDS and AIDS-affected families. Other activities include: support for more than 200 child-headed households; health outreach focusing on health education, treatment of opportunistic infections and immunization; and training on the rights of children, widows and people with AIDS.
Environmental Conservation in Northwestern Uganda
School ECO Clubs in Adjumani. |
In response to widespread environmental impacts due to an influx of displaced people and refugees in Adjumani district, the LWF has implemented an agro-forestry project that aims to help get local communities back on their feet while building environmental sustainability. The project is composed of five primary elements: support to schools, support to the sub-county, support to individuals and community groups, running a tree nursery, and capacity building for local communities. Beneficiaries are given improved seedlings and agricultural training for the establishment of woodlots, orchards, and vegetable gardens.
Support to Returnees in South Sudan
Returnee children in South Sudan. |
The LWF emergency response project in the Eastern Equatoria region of South Sudan has provided food, agricultural tools and seeds, and household items to Sudanese refugee returnees, internally displaced people, and host communities. The first secondary school in Ikotos town was built by the LWF, and its teachers continue to be supported by the project. In addition, the LWF works in the areas of HIV/AIDS awareness (support to youth and community groups), water and sanitation (construction of boreholes and latrines in returnee communities and schools), and capacity building (leadership workshops and other support for local officials and organizations).
For more information please contact:
Mr Tore Samuelsson, Program Officer
Local representative
Mr Craig Kippels, Representative
