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It is a little over 15 years since the guns fell silent in Northern Uganda following the signing of peace talks between the government and the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) rebels in the Southern Sudan capital, Juba. But the scars are still fresh for many victims of the 20-year war. Most of these survivors used to reside with relatives or friends but major problems piled up upon their return to their homes in the villages where immediate survival needs formally catered for by national, international and non-governmental organizations were withdrawn. Survivors begun facing very difficult conditions with no special attention being given to their emotional and psychological needs. In light of the above, our establishment is needed to equip the majority of survivors in this post war-ravaged Northern Uganda cope with their emotional, psycho-social and economic needs.
Survivors Consultative meeting with Mine Action Department-Ministry if Gender, Labour and Social Development (MGLSD) -Kampala
Together in Action project July 1, 2023-December 31, 2023 EONS is carrying out sensitization training targeting at least 150 explosive ordnance survivors in five (5) districts in the Acholi Sub region. This project is funded by the International Campaign to Ban Landmines-Cluster Munition Coalition -ICBL-CMC in order to contribute significantly the understanding/knowledge of rights under the Mine Ban Treaty, the Convention on Cluster Munitions, and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. This report provides an overview of progress made during the half day dialogue held December 16, 2023 in the premises of Gulu Disabled Persons Union (GDPU). The session started 10: 00 a.m. with a welcome statement by Chairperson, Ms. Piloya Monica. Ms Piloya acknowledged that we are living in difficulty times mired with poverty amongst survivors. She urged member to persevere and continue to do whatever little they can for survival and raising of our children. Her final counsel was desist from laziness and drunkenness. “Drunkenness does not suit you with disability heavily laden on you, she remarked.”
EONS Programme Coordinator, Stephen Okello, discussed Victim Assistance in the context of the MBT and CCM conventions to provide a clear picture of the responsibilities Uganda government as a State party. Mr. Okello explained that although obligations laid out in the CRPD overlap with those related to VA in the MBT and CCM, they are not entirely the same. VA is an obligation in and of itself that must be met, yet Uganda as a State party is still under performing.
The training methodology was interactive as the facilitator ensured that knowledge was not only disseminated but accurately perceived and understood by the participants. Discussions were conducted in vernacular to ensure participants freely engage giving feedback, asking questions and volunteering suggestions. These discussions and interactive sessions were supported through training material handouts on in the form of brochures. A total of 68 participants from fifteen (21) Sub Counties of across seven (7) districts, host Gulu City, Amuru district, Agago district, Gulu district, Lamwo district, Nwoya district and Omoro district. A modest transport facilitation was given to the participants to enable them travel safe back to their respective residences.
Survivors Consultative meeting with Mine Action Department-Ministry if Gender, Labour and Social Development (MGLSD) -Kampala
A one-day meeting held at the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development (MGLSD) headquarters in Kampala, hosted representatives of Explosive Ordnance Network Survivors(EONS)December 12, 2023. The meeting was an important opportunity to share information regarding the status of Victim Assistance stipulated under the Mine Ban Treaty (MBT) as obligated by State Parties. Participants of the meeting included the Commissioner in charge of Disability and Elderlies Affairs, Principle Rehabilitation Officer (MGLSD), Community Development Officer (CDO) in charge of Disabilities and Elderlies Affairs (Gulu District Local Government); and the two (2) staffs of EONS Stephen Okello and Acaye Paul. The meeting was organized into two informational sessions. A session where the officer at the ministry gave an overview what has been happening over the years and one session focusing EONS feedback regarding prevailing situation in the countryside. Ms. Agnes Bulega Nampeera, Principle Rehabilitation Officer (MGLSD) acknowledged that their ministry has been unable to reach out grassroots community directly to ascertain the population nor living conditions of survivors. Thanks to valuable support from Uganda’s Colonel Kabeera the Military Attache at Geneva, Uganda finally submitted article 7 report as required after over 10 years of abstinence. Regarding victims’ assistance to survivors in the community, nothing substantial has been done to specifically target victims of war. Mr. Okello Stephen, EONS Project Coordinator thanked Ms. Nampeera for the hospitality and reports presented. He then pointed out that Government programmes such as Special grants meant for persons with disabilities, Emyooga, Parish Development Model and others meant to empower the community are just like a drop in the ocean hardly accessed by 5% of the entire survivors in the country.
The meeting provided valuable input for the next steps as regards the future planning of advocacy towards better support to survivors through enactment of national laws on Victim Assistance under MBT. MGLSD noted EONS should play a leading role in cooperation efforts and their doors are open for continued discussions towards attaining Victim Assistance implementation in accordance to the MBT.
Survivors Sensitisation on Victim Assistance, Pajule Pader
A half day sensitization training was held at Pajule Town Council premises, Pader District” with an objective to build the capacity of explosive ordnance survivors enhanced understanding/knowledge of rights under the Mine Ban Treaty, the Convention on Cluster Munitions, and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. A total of 27 participants from four Sub Counties of Pader district participated in this training. The purpose of this training was to train participants the concept of Victim Assistance so that are equipped to share this key information with other survivors who are unable to attend the training sessions. The session started 12: 10 p.m. with a welcome statement by Honourable Brilliant, Chairperson of Pajule town Council encouraging participants to take the training seriously with the intention of improving their networking and advocacy skills.
EONS Programme Coordinator, Stephen Okello, discussed Victim Assistance in the context of the MBT and CCM conventions to provide a clear picture of the responsibilities Uganda government as a State party. Mr. Okello explained that although obligations laid out in the CRPD overlap with those related to VA in the MBT and CCM, they are not entirely the same. VA is an obligation in and of itself that must be met, yet Uganda as a State party is still under performing. The training methodology was interactive as the facilitator ensured that knowledge was not only disseminated but accurately perceived and understood by the participants. Discussions were conducted in vernacular to ensure participants freely engage giving feedback, asking questions and volunteering suggestions. These discussions and interactive sessions were supported through training material handouts on in the form of brochures.
This activity is conducted is a series planned sessions under the Together In Action project supported by the International Campaign to Ban Landmines-Cluster Munition Coalition –ICBL-CMC – 2023 July 1, 2023-December 31, 2023. Overall the project is expected to train 150 survivors as primary beneficiaries who should in turn share these key information with other survivors in the community across the sub region. A modest transport facilitation was given to the participants to enable them travel safe back to their respective residences.
Survivors Sensitisation on Victim Assistance, Kitgum
The International Campaign to Ban Landmines-Cluster Munition Coalition -ICBL-CMC is providing EONS funding towards capacity building of explosive ordnance survivors to enhance understanding/knowledge of rights under the Mine Ban Treaty, the Convention on Cluster Munitions, and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Through this – 2023 Investing in Action project July 1, 2023-December 31, 2023 EONS is carrying out sensitization training with explosive ordnance survivors in five (5) districts in the choli Sub region.
A half day sensitization training was held at Mirage Apartments Hotel, Kitgum Municipality, Kitgum District. The purpose of this training was to train participants the concept of Victim Assistance so that are equipped to share this key information with other survivors who are unable to attend the training sessions. The session started 10: 00 a.m. with a welcome statement by Honourable Councilor V PWDs, Kitgum District, Chairperson of Pajule town Council encouraging participants to take the training seriously with the intention of improving their networking and advocacy skills. EONS Programme Coordinator, Stephen Okello, discussed Victim Assistance in the context of the MBT and CCM conventions to provide a clear picture of the responsibilities Uganda government as a State party. Mr. Okello explained that although obligations laid out in the CRPD overlap with those related to VA in the MBT and CCM, they are not entirely the same. VA is an obligation in and of itself that must be met, yet Uganda as a State party is still under performing.
The training methodology was interactive as the facilitator ensured that knowledge was not only disseminated but accurately perceived and understood by the participants. Discussions were conducted in vernacular to ensure participants freely engage giving feedback, asking questions and volunteering suggestions. These discussions and interactive sessions were supported through training material handouts on in the form of brochures. A total of 57 participants from fifteen (15) Sub Counties of Kitgum district and one Sub County of Lamwo district. A modest transport facilitation was given to the participants to enable them travel safe back to their respective residences.
Risk Education session on Explosive Ordnance in Kalamagi Primary school
The International Campaign to Ban Landmines-Cluster Munition Coalition -ICBL-CMC is supporting EONS to implement – 2023 Investing in Action project April 1, 2023-December 31, 2023.
Tuesday, August 15, 2023 community dialogue at Kitino Tima Primary school was carried out to disseminate information on the risks of explosive ordnances to children and school administration.
This event was intended to help reduce the risk-taking behaviour of communities, increase their capacity to identify and manage threats, and raise awareness of the dangers of mines/ERW.
Ms. Piloya Monica, Chairperson EONS and a landmine survivor narrated a brief of what explosive ordnances can do. She showed the children the prosthesis she wears on her right foot enabling her to move upright as part of the permanent signature of explosive ordnance. Our Mine Action Fellow (MAF), Ms. Oyella Eveline Saverio echoed the dangers explosive ordnance pose and confessed that she was a victim at an infant age of five (5) years. Ms. Eveline revealed that despite her visible physical impairment she continued with her education getting involved in different co-curricular activities including dancing, singing and sports. She urged the pupils to pay attention to instructions in this dialogue because it could be the difference between saving their own lives or losing it considering the presence of these hazards still lurking in our farm land.
Two (2) Uganda Peoples Defense Forces (UPDF) from Atoo Hill Barracks facilitated the risk education exercise using different images of weapons printed in posters and fliers. The posters and fliers were both in English and vernacular (Acholi language) for easy understanding for the children and their family members back home.
The day’s events consisted of two (2) hours testimony of a landmine survivors, welcome remarks by host, presentation of explosive ordnance risk education awareness by UPDF and concluding remarks from the chairperson, Omel Sub County National Resistance Movement (NRM) in Gulu district. There were over 170 participants including 147 pupils in attendance.
Risk Education with children of Kitino Tima school
The International Campaign to Ban Landmines-Cluster Munition Coalition -ICBL-CMC is supporting EONS to implement – 2023 Investing in Action project April 1, 2023-December 31, 2023.
Thursday, July 26, 2023 community dialogue at Kalamagi Primary school was carried out to disseminate information on the risks of explosive ordnances to children and school administration.
This event was intended to help reduce the risk-taking behaviour of communities, increase their capacity to identify and manage threats, and raise awareness of the dangers of mines/ERW.
Ms. Piloya Monica, Chairperson EONS and a landmine survivor narrated a brief of what explosive ordnances can do. She showed the children the prosthesis she wears on her right foot enabling her to move upright as part of the permanent signature of explosive ordnance.
Two (2) Uganda Peoples Defense Forces (UPDF) from Atoo Hill Barracks facilitated the risk education exercise using different images of weapons printed in posters and fliers. The posters and fliers were both in English and vernacular (Acholi language) for easy understanding for the children and their family members back home.
The day’s events consisted of two (2) hours testimony of a landmine survivor, welcome remarks by host, presentation of explosive ordnance risk education awareness by UPDF and concluding remarks from the area Councilors III Omel Sub County in Gulu district. There were over 350 participants including 340 pupils in attendance.
The Project benefitted 15 youths with disabilities comprising of both survivors (amputees) and other physical disabilities and one Intellectual disability. There were 8 females and 7 females. Each recipient received two (2) female goats apiece.
Uganda Youth Development Link (UYDEL) a national non-governmental organization enhancing the socio-economic transformation of disadvantaged young people aged 10 -24 years through evidence-based interventions donated to us Uganda Shillings Five Million Eight Hundred Ninety-Four Thousand Six Hundred Seventy-Four. (UGX. 5,894,674/=) only.
The targeted youth project sought to promote challenged athletes participation in a program that will transform people with disabilities lives from peasant subsistence survival to viable self-reliance with reduced vulnerability and dependence on external assistance. Our mode of operation is demand-driven with a focus on transferring knowledge, skills and tools to improve increase food security, nutrition, health and incomes of rural communities.
Because crop production in our community provides only seasonal employment in a rainfed production system.; whereas rearing goats would provide employment and incomes as a subsidiary occupation. The basic principles of economics in goat farming are based on smaller size, costs less than cattle, require less feeds, present fewer risks, and have quick return (there is quick pay of dues because of fast multiplication and early maturity). Ideally goats require much lower investments and facilities in terms of housing, feed, labour and health care.
The project is also investing in Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) for the youth membership effective February 12, 2022.
Sports activities and other recreational activities will continue to unite the membership as youth continue the fight against alcohol, drug abuse and substance use in the community.
The International Campaign to Ban Landmines and Cluster Munition is a huge success! Article 5 Mine Ban Treaty obligations, Mine Clearance achieved by Republic of Uganda coinciding with the Twelfth Meeting of States Parties (12MSP) December 2012.
46 mined areas covering 1.6km2 clearance operations found and destroyed 4,314 antipersonnel mines, 42 air bombs and 15 UXO. Additional 9,273 UXO and 20 antivehicle mine destroyed during operations.
Unfortunately, the total number of mine/ERW casualties in Uganda is not known. Estimates by December 2016, put it at 2,792 casualties (533 killed; 2,259 injured). 14 casualties were registered by December 2016. A recent study we carried out August to October 2021, disclosed a 69 year old lady injuries leading to right leg amputation.
As long as mines infest nations countless casualties leading to death, injuries, disabilities, destructions, mourning, and millions of dollars spent of reconstructions instead of sustainable global development.
Victim assistance enshrined in the two instruments of international humanitarian law, The Mine Ban Treaty (MBT) and the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM) remains the Achilles heels Uganda is yet to overcome.
Republic of Uganda is feeling like the Pearl of Africa again thanks to the International Campaign to Ban Landmines and Cluster Munition with generous support of affluent donors worldwide.
Some survivors remain in dire need for routine medical rehabilitation and treatment begging for government to again prioritize budget allocation towards the orthopedic departments. Something like insurance card specifically for survivors to get professionally help from trained surgeons and not just general medical practioners.
The International Campaign to Ban Landmines and Cluster Munition is a huge success! Article 5 Mine Ban Treaty obligations, Mine Clearance achieved by Republic of Uganda coinciding with the Twelfth Meeting of States Parties (12MSP) December 2012.
46 mined areas covering 1.6km2 clearance operations found and destroyed 4,314 antipersonnel mines, 42 air bombs and 15 UXO. Additional 9,273 UXO and 20 antivehicle mine destroyed during operations.
Unfortunately, the total number of mine/ERW casualties in Uganda is not known. Estimates by December 2016, put it at 2,792 casualties (533 killed; 2,259 injured). 14 casualties were registered by December 2016. A recent study we carried out August to October 2021, disclosed a 69 year old lady injuries leading to right leg amputation.
As long as mines infest nations countless casualties leading to death, injuries, disabilities, destructions, mourning, and millions of dollars spent of reconstructions instead of sustainable global development.
Victim assistance enshrined in the two instruments of international humanitarian law, The Mine Ban Treaty (MBT) and the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM) remains the Achilles heels Uganda is yet to overcome.
Republic of Uganda is feeling like the Pearl of Africa again thanks to the International Campaign to Ban Landmines and Cluster Munition with generous support of affluent donors worldwide.