Oxfam in Uganda 2017:2018 final annual report

UGANDA COUNTRY ANNUAL REPORT
2017/2018

OXFAM ANNUAL REPORT 2017 - 2018 1

About Oxfam our

in Uganda vision

Oxfam is an International confederation of 20 organizations A Uganda free of extreme inequality and Injustice: A society
working together with partners and local communities in more where citizens (and particularly) across all age groups claim
than 90 countries around the globe; working to find practical, and exercise their rights and responsibilities and are able to
innovative ways for people to lift themselves out of poverty influence decisions that affect their lives.
and thrive.
Our one country program is hinged on three thematic goals,
In Uganda, Oxfam started work in the 1960s, partnering with which aim to promote women’s rights, good governance
local Organizations, volunteers and supporters as well as poor and accountability, resilient livelihoods, as well as enhance
communities to bring about developmental change. We believe preparedness, reduce vulnerability to disaster and ensure an
that fundamental change will happen in Uganda with a shift in effective response to humanitarian crises.
policies and practices, and when citizens are able to exercise
and claim their rights and responsibilities as enshrined in the
Constitution.

Mary watering her vegetable Contents
garden in Bidibidi settlement.

Photo: Julius Caeser Kasujja/Oxfam

ABOUT OXFAM IN UGANDA 2

COMMITMENT TO FIGHT INEQUALITY 5

THEMATIC GOALS 6

PROGRAMME REACH 7

COUNTRY DIRECTOR’S NOTE 8

DEEPENING RESEARCH ON INEQUALITY 9

INFLUENCING FOR POLICY AND 14

STRUCTURAL CHANGES TO ADDRESS INEQUALITY

THE POWER OF THE PEOPLE TO 20

ADDRESS INEQUALITY

SAVING LIVES NOW AND IN THE FUTURE 29

PROGRAM QUALITY AND LEARNING/MEAL 35

PEOPLE EXPERIENCE 39

OUR PARTNERS /COLLABORATIONS 40

OUR INCOMES AND EXPENDITURE 43

IN THE NEWS 44

Commitment to fight Our • Deepening governance & accountability
inequality country processes.
strategy
2017/2018, mobilising people against inequality focuses on • Fostering resilient livelihoods.

• Strengthening humanitarian capacity as
well as responding to humanitarian crises.

We do this through three programme themes, with women’s rights at the center

Working with our staff, partners and networks, we rallied and engaged with the public and the government on $
citizens to influence their leaders, the policies and addressing issues such as land, tax justice, women’s $ $$$
structures against inequality. We witnessed women and economic empowerment, extractives and humanitarian
men actively participate in decisions that affect their crisis, where inequality is highly evident. FUNDS
lives and in many fronts openly speak out against poor
services and the imbalances this creates. This annual report is our opportunity to express gratitude THEMATIC GOAL 1: Governance and THEMATIC GOAL 2: Resilient THEMATIC GOAL 3: Humanitarian
and showcase the impact our work with your support had accountability livelihoods Preparedness and Response
Our work this year was anchored on our inequality report on addressing the issue of inequality and transforming
‘Who is Growing?’ that was released in March 2017. The thousands of lives. It is a celebration of every staff, Oxfam is working to ensure that Vulnerable Focus is on ensuring that vulnerable women, We work to empower vulnerable women, youth and
report showed that the prevailing imbalance in Uganda partners, media, donors, service providers and global Women, youth and men have increased space for youth, marginalized men and other vulnerable men with skills and knowledge so that they are able
is further promoted by national investment choices in colleagues and networks that contributed towards our and role in contributing meaningfully to decision- groups in a range of Ugandan livelihood settings to mitigate and cope with shocks and enjoy their
health, education and agriculture that do not speak to the vision of a Uganda free from extreme inequality and making in development processes and holding are economically empowered and enjoy their rights to a life with dignity. In cases of disaster,
needs of the citizens. This has left the richest 20 percent injustice. Governments, Private sector, Social Institutions rights to food as well as have increased incomes. Oxfam works together with partners to provide
of the population growing richer while the poorest 20 and Civil Society Organisations accountable. lifesaving assistance that meets the needs of those
percent is growing poorer. Under this theme, we focus on promoting land affected.
We are building active citizenship around taxes and seed rights for women and pastoralists,
This rising inequality is a threat to Uganda’s future and & budget allocation, extractives and women engendered value chain and markets, private We strengthen humanitarian capacity at local
it is the reason we brought all our resources together to leadership. sector engagement, climate change adaptation, level to ensure better, quicker and cost-effective
address the different drivers. We carried out research youth employment, and addressing Gender Based preparedness and response to humanitarian
Violence (GBV) and unpaid care work for women. situations.

programme reach COUNTRY DIRECTOR’s note

1,054,114 50.3% The Oxfam year 2017/18 has again been a successful Without the trust and support of our partners
year characterized by Oxfam in Uganda stepping up (national partners and donors alike) and the
TOTAL (REACHED) WOMEN/GIRLS its campaign around inequality and responding to dedicated staff, it would not have been possible
the refugee crisis caused by the continued violence to deliver the programme of which the summary is
334,975 62,421 and insecurity in South Sudan and towards the contained in this report. This is also the place to
end of the year, DRC. This year’s guiding theme for thank our donors, partners as well as the staff for
PEOPLE REACHED THROUGH PEOPLE REACHED THROUGH OUR the Oxfam programme has been the fight against all their trust and efforts over the last year. Without
GOVERNANCE WORK RESILIENT LIVELIHOODS WORK inequality, which was highlighted by the successful them the achievements reflected in this report would
release of our Inequality Report “Who is Growing?” not have been possible.
635,763 20,955 in 2017. This report drew in a lot of attention and
propelled the debate around growing inequality in A last reflection concerns the crisis that hit Oxfam
PEOPLE REACHED THROUGH PEOPLE REACHED WITH OUR WOMEN’S Uganda and its drivers. in early 2018. Oxfam has already taken many steps
OUR HUMANITARIAN RIGHTS EFFORTS PARTICULARLY IN to avoid such crises re-occurring in the future
RESPONSE ACTION WOMEN LEADERSHIP AND ENDING This annual report shows the width of the Oxfam and will continue to do so, so that Oxfam is a safe
VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN programme in Uganda towards addressing this organization for those who work for it, a reliable
growing inequality, ranging from supporting partner for those who support it and for those whom
IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT OUR WOMEN’S RIGHTS WORK CUTS ACROSS ALL OUR PROGRAMMING. refugees to defending civic space, from addressing it aims to assist. This is a responsibility of all who
governance issues within the extractives sector work for and with Oxfam.
to improving value chains so that farmers increase
their income resulting from the produce, as well as Let us work to make the coming year even better and
supporting local and national actors to take on the more impactful.
frontline positions in emergency response. All these
initiatives have been undertaken with a clear focus VINCENT KOCH
on gender relations and women leadership.
Country Director
Throughout the year, our programme has been
growing considerably, resulting in larger organization,
more partners, more donors and more projects.

propagate inequality in income and wealth.
It identified the notable features of land that
influence inequality to include: size available
to an individual; security of tenure within
the context of multiple tenure systems;
marginalization arising from cultural beliefs
and practices in relation to age and gender;
the type of livelihood that these attributes of
land can support; and structure of legal and
institutional structures that determine usage
and sharing of social and political power.

We hope that with this report, we will engage
meaningfully in influencing land governance
in the country. We shall use the finding to
inform actions like public campaigns and
other influencing engagements on legal and
policy processes in the country.

1.0 Susan* in her garden. Case study
Deepening research on inequality
Photo: Elizabeth Stevens/Oxfam Following the completion of the study,
Throughout the year, we carried out a number of researches to influence policy. Our Oxfam had the opportunity to make a poster
teams worked hand in hand with researchers and partners to produce reports and Land as a driver of inequality research presentation to different actors at the World
policy papers in the areas of land and civic space. The recommendations made Bank Conference on Land and Poverty, 2018 in
provided alternative potential solutions and approaches to addressing inequality. Oxfam’s Inequality report (2017) indicated that arising from land ownership, access and use. Washington DC. We used this platform to call
productive resources, particularly land could be a upon global actors (UN, WB, IMF) to implore
Photo: Julius Caeser Kasujja/Oxfam driver of inequality if the issues of use, access and The report established that land is a major driver governments to broaden the development
control are not well addressed. In September 2017, of inequality because of its dual role as a factor approach for the inclusion of the poor as a
Oxfam commissioned a study to interrogate how land of production and a store of value. It further fundamental prerequisite for any positive
perpetrates inequality in Uganda and provide policy interrogates how land governance (laws, policies, reforms policies, laws as well as large-scale
proposals and actions that will address inequality regulations and institutions) can create and land projects in countries.

OXFAM ANNUAL REPORT 2017 - 2018 11

Enhancing civic Can You Open Fiscal Space by Closing Civic Space? election in 2016. This new social media tax further money from a silenced citizenry. If citizens do not Non Governmental
space threatens freedom of expression by hampering trust their government or its institutions, raising Organization SDGs shadow
Not if you want domestic revenue mobilization to succeed access to 58 digital platforms – ranging from revenue will be an incredibly difficult task (ask any report
Facebook, WhatsApp to Skype, and mobile network tax administration about the importance of voluntary
The Government continues Source: Internet companies have already adapted to facilitate the compliance). And in Uganda, efforts to increase The Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s)
narrowing civil society tax. domestic revenue are already quite challenging adopted in September 2015 represent the
operational space through On July 1, the government of Uganda enacted a social Part of wider crack down on civil society – collecting very little and relying greatly on most ambitious sustainable development
restriction and control media tax, as well as a mobile money tax – which will In the Uganda context, this is worrisome. With consumption-based taxes, which disproportionately agenda ever agreed on by UN member
such as the Public Order make freedom of expression and access to information Restricting space for citizens to raise their voices the recent Public Order and Management Act affect poorer households. states. By committing to SDG’s, countries
Management Act. In order more expensive. in exchange for tax revenue is not a viable domestic (which requires police permission for more than 5 commit to leaving no one behind during
to enhance freeing of civic revenue strategy. Reducing civic space erodes the people to assemble), social media platforms were Better ways to raise revenue their implementation and therefore
space, Oxfam in partnership The government has committed to step up its efforts social contract between citizens and government, providing an important alternative to assembly addressing the inequality gaps.
with the Uganda National around revenue collection, or Domestic Revenue which is the most important component of a strong and and association. As one Ugandan journalist, Lydia There are many ways to raise revenue without
NGO Forum commissioned a Mobilisation (DRM) – joining 42 other countries fair tax system. With restricted civic space, citizens have Namubiru, put it: “For Ugandans, the social media overburdening citizens and violating their rights. We worked with NGO Forum to support and
study, intended to unearth as signatories of the Addis Tax Initiative (ATI). In no avenue to hold government accountable. The taxes levy isn’t just another tax. It is the latest in the Why not take up excise tax reforms (as proposed develop the NGOs shadow report showing
the joint contribution of NGOs development circles, there is increasing emphasis on have evoked a lot of ire among citizens who already feel government’s efforts to punish and discourage by Tax Justice Alliance-Uganda) which could raise the progress in meeting the various
to Uganda’s economy. The DRM and getting countries to be less dependent on stifled in offline civic spaces that the government has online expression.” at least 122 billion Ugandan shillings? Or reduce tax SDGs. Specifically, Oxfam contributed to
negative rhetoric about NGO’s external funders who may have their own agenda. But actively clamped down on. exemptions that, according to research by Oxfam reporting on progress in meeting SDG one
being self serving continuously should the basic human rights to freedom of expression, The poor are most affected and SEATINI, amount to US$630 million annually on ending poverty in all its forms. Oxfam’s
gets used to support attacks on access to information and inclusion be sacrificed at the In Uganda, free speech online has been under attack – a big chunk of which are giveaways to the most contribution highlighted the need for
civic space and specifically on altar of domestic revenue collection? Of course not. In for several years. The government blocked access to These two taxes will squeeze poor Ugandans the capable taxpayers, including foreign companies and economic interventions that address
NGOs engaged in policy issues fact, it is likely to be counterproductive. Facebook and Twitter just before a tight presidential most. The social media tax will make access to even parliamentarians. These are just two potential both poverty and inequality in order not to
like corruption, inequality and information even more unaffordable – estimated options for Uganda to consider. leave the vulnerable such as women and
governance. to cost the poorest Ugandans nearly 40 percent of youth behind. The report was launched at
their income for 1GB of data. And in a country where Uganda has recently announced its intention to a meeting in November attended by 100
The study once completed, one in two adults access mobile money, the mobile develop a Medium-Term Revenue Strategy (MTRS) – people, including representatives from
will provide NGOs, activists and money tax could make poverty and inequality something that donors like the IMF and World Bank the National Planning Authority and Office
citizens at large with evidence worse. Poverty levels in Uganda have actually are keen to support. Its success will depend on of the Prime Minister. Oxfam added its
of the NGO contribution to increased recently, rising from 19 percent in 2013 generating broad buy-in from Ugandan society and voice to demand for accountability from
continue challenging this status to 27 percent today. Inequality, too, is increasing greater trust. Repealing the social media and mobile government in fulfilling its international
quo and in turn facilitate freeing and many Ugandans lack access to basics such as money taxes would be a good start to winning back commitments. This process was therefore
of civic space. This study is health and education. citizens. But a public dialogue on creating a fair and a vital accountability tool to ensure there
projected to be finalized in the transparent tax system is the necessary next step. are deliberate efforts and progress towards
following year. Tax policy (and Domestic Revenue Mobilisation addressing inequality.
strategies) should be designed to reverse these By: Nathan Coplin, Joseph Olwenyi, Sophie Kyagulanyi,
trends, not accelerate them. Patience Akumu

Ironically, these taxes only serve to sow suspicion
against a government that is bent on collecting

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Sarah, the chairperson of a handicrafts group Influencing the Comprehensive National budget framework Co - convening the Joint  
in Bidibidi setttlement, calls women to join her Refugee Response Framework paper for lands sector Agricultural Sector Annual
bead making group. Review  
The Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework Together with partners, we developed a position
PHOTO: Kieran Doherty/Oxfam (CRRF) process in Uganda offers a unique paper and presented it to the Physical Planning Together with our partners, we influenced the
opportunity to establish new ways of working within Committee of Parliament. This was to ensure that decision to have a regional Joint Agricultural Sector
2.0 the country’s emergency response context. Oxfam the key policy questions in the Lands sector have Annual Review (JASAR) in Lira district to provide
played a part to influence the prioritization and policy solutions in the National Budget Framework opportunities for more farmers to participate and
influencing for policy and structural implementation of the CRRF in the areas of effective Paper 2018/19, which informs the national budget. interact with key government officials. In the past,
changes to address inequality participation and representation of key stakeholders To further popularize the position paper, a press the annual reviews have not involved the grass
in the CRRF including refugees, local actors and local conference was organized on January 9th, 2018, root farmers who are key to the decisions that the
Using the different studies and reports, we pushed for policy and structural changes governments. which we participated in with our partner, CSBAG. government officials make on their behalf.
at different levels. Among others, we lobbied for the involvement of local actors We hope that the recommendations in the position
in humanitarian planning and response, contributed to prudent public finance Oxfam also worked to influence the setup of an INGO paper will reflect in the next budget reading. In turn, Oxfam and partners worked with Ministry of
management and pushed for increased budget allocation and spending by the refugee policy and advocacy sub group comprised we hope that the next budget reading will reflect an Agriculture Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) to
Government in key sectors. This was to ensure that policies and government expenditure of INGOs in the refugee response in Uganda. Oxfam increase in allocation of funds to pro - poor sectors plan and convene the 2017 JASAR. In collaboration
have positive impact on the lives of those in need, enabling them to fight inequality. chairs this group through which, a policy paper on like education, health and agriculture in order to with the ministry, Oxfam and partners co-funded
localization was developed to address funding gaps reduce inequality. the regional and national JASAR and made key
and capacity strengthening of local actors. It majorly recommendations on adaptation and agriculture
emphasized the need for integration of refugee Oxfam’s inequality report revealed that the inequality sector financing. The government committed to
management into local government structures and gap would widen if government does not invest in adopt in the 2018/19 financial year.
planning. these pro-poor sectors.

As a result of this work, the CRRF is hosting a series
of workshops on localization of the refugee response
in Uganda.

Case study

Oxfam participated in discussions with UNHCR
around strengthening effectiveness of refugee
engagement in the CRRF. This resulted in
setting up the CRRF Refuge Advisory Council,
which process Oxfam supported.

Okello in Omoro district who hosted JASAR team that led a discussion on water for production.

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Promoting communities’ rights along the proposed East Africa Crude Oil pipeline Advancing recommendations at the Youth Ministers Meeting

Influencing for a Youth unemployment is one of the challenges that Forum to discuss resourcing youth development. made several commitments to ensure that youth
supportive policy Oxfam works to address. It is clear that some of development is a youth led agenda so as to meet their
environment for these challenges have been perpetuated by policies Out of this meeting, the non-state actors came up needs.   Oxfam will be following up keenly to ensure
Small and Medium that are not inclusive. with recommendations that were forwarded to the that the leaders live up to these commitments.
Enterprises As part of influencing policy, Oxfam participated in the Commonwealth Nations Youth Ministers to inform
(SME’s) Youth Ministers-Stakeholder’s (Non- state actors) their discussions. The Youth Ministers in the end

Dr. Owiunji (WWF-Uganda), and McBride, leader on ESIA team. Hon. Betty Amongin, Minister of Lands, Housing and Together with SEATINI
Urban Development during the EACOP meeting Uganda, we strengthened
SMEs’ competitiveness
Oxfam believes that Uganda’s growing In line with the above, in August 2017 we The meeting focused on issues relating by providing 5 policy Panel discussion on Resourcing and Financing Development and the Sustainable Participants of the non-state actors Stakeholders Forum
extractive industry is an opportunity for worked with like-minded organizations to land acquisition, environmental recommendations to Development Goals
the country to overcome the injustice in Tanzania and Uganda [HakiRasilimali, rights, communities’ social and cultural inform the review of the
of poverty and inequality. We work to CRED, GRA, ACODE and WWF-UCO] rights associated with the EACOP and Investment Code Bill, 2015 High level influencing with the Economic Monitoring Group
ensure that citizens and government to convene the first-ever ‘Uganda- knowledge and experience sharing from and the Local Content Bill,
get a fair share of their natural resource Tanzania Civil Society convening on the other pipeline projects across the world. 2017. Following the launch of Oxfam’s inequality report and permanent secretary. The Economic Monitoring Oxfam staff that participated in the Conference of Parties
revenues and that these resources Proposed East Africa Crude Oil Pipeline and campaign, the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Group also comprises development partners such as (COP) 23 in Bonn, Germany. The conference saw a number
translate into improvement in people’s [EACOP]’. The event attracted more A number of ideas and asks were We hope that these Economic development invited Oxfam to present World Bank, IMF and USAID. They all lauded Oxfam’s of recommendations taken up and incorporated in future
socio-economic wellbeing. An important than 80 participants from civil society, generated and packaged in a recommendations will the inequality report to the Economic Monitoring inequality report for raising important development implementation activities.
consideration for our work too, is to government at both national and sub- communiqué which was issued at the contribute to putting Group (EMG). This was recognition of Oxfam as issues and pledged that progressively, the budgets
ensure participation of women and men national levels, representatives of end of the event. The event was also an in place policies that a thought leader when it comes to inequality. It and plans for the country will not only address
in decision - making in this industry international oil companies, academia, important first-step towards strategizing support the growth and was an opportunity to present Oxfam’s work and poverty but also inequality. We shared updates
and to ensure that their rights are not media, local community-based for a more coordinated civil society and competitiveness of SME’s influence the planning and budgeting process in on the engagement on twitter, receiving 33,000
compromised in the quest to develop the organizations from Uganda and Tanzania citizen participation in the development and therefore, boosting this core economic planning group that included impressions.
industry. as well as activists from Chad, Nigeria of the EACOP across Uganda and their incomes. key staff of the ministry such as the commissioners
and USA. Tanzania.
This is especially given
that SMEs are an important
source of employment –
creating 19 out of 20 non-
agriculture jobs with young
people occupying 94.7% of
these jobs.

16 OXFAM ANNUAL REPORT 2017 - 2018 OXFAM ANNUAL REPORT 2017 - 2018 17

Contribution in Prudent Public Promoting open contracting and Oxfam and UWONET engaged key Ministries, Influencing the Influencing for a more inclusive budget
Finance management accountability Departments and Agencies on the need to include Biotechnology and
care work conversation on the agenda. This was biosafety bill Oxfam participated in several press conferences pushing for citizen inclusion in the decision making.
Photo: CSBAG Clear, transparent and fair frameworks for public to make sure it is translated into public policies,
contracting were widely promoted by Oxfam programmes, and infrastructure to reduce the We worked with partners Together with partners such as CSBAG, we engaged with In addition, we held 10 community dialogues to collect ideas
CSBAG ED, Julius Mukunda (2nd right) speaks at the IMF/ and partners for improving public procurement. burden of care work on women.    such as Food Rights Alliance, government and other NGOs to influence the budgeting on how the budget can best address inequalities. Eleven
World Bank Spring meetings Oxfam worked with partners to foster increased PELUM Uganda, ESAFF Uganda processes. We appeared on various media to analyze the of the recommendations made in a CSO position paper that
transparency and accountability through access to We engaged with Ministry of Water and Environment, and SEATINI to review the law budget and why it should address inequality. We led the included consultations with the communities were adopted.
OXFAM recognizes that increased long - term information among others. calling them to focus on accessibility, availability and that seeks to regulate the discussion on ways in which the budget can be improved to
oriented investments need to be complemented by affordability of water; Ministry of Gender, Labour and production of Genetically address gender inequality, highlighting the need to invest
measures to assist the poor and vulnerable people. To recognize the outstanding efforts towards pushing Social Development to institute care transformative Modified Organisms in Uganda. in sectors of the economy that most affect women, such as
for accountability, Oxfam partner Africa Freedom of national and community programmes as well as health, agriculture and education.
In May 2017, Oxfam in Uganda together with partners Information Centre (AFIC) was honored with an Award Uganda National Bureau of Statistics to include We shared opinions that
under the Financing for Development project by the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public care data in National surveys and demonstrate contributed to the NGO position
participated in the World Bank/IMF 2017 Spring Assets Authority (PPDA) for distinguished work in contribution to National development continued.   on the law,highlighting that
Meetings in Washington. The team organized a promoting open contracting in Uganda and the there is need not to pass it into
session on “Prudent Public Finance Management region. This was during the East African Procurement To further profile unpaid care work, Oxfam supported law or have flexible provisions
Practices that can deliver for citizens”. Discussions Forum on November 3, 2017 hosted by the Republic partner UWONET to participate in the 62nd UN that protect farmers’ rights. Our
centered around generating proposals on fighting of Uganda. Commission on the status of women in New York push was for the law to have
inequality, domestic revenue mobilization and where recommendations on transforming unpaid provisions that will protect
enhancing citizens participation in fiscal processes. The Award followed AFIC’s successful advocacy care work were presented. farmer’s seeds systems.
These have since shaped national Civil Society engagements targeting the Uganda Government to Following the concerns that
Organizations policy engagements resulting in a embrace open contracting and foster public use of As a result, in the outcome document Article 12, 29 Oxfam and other NGOs raised,
call for a more vibrant and structured engagement published data. recommendations on unpaid care work were taken the president declined to assent
between CSOs and IMF, hence promoting mutual into account. Some of the recommendations included to the law after parliament
accountability and ownership of fiscal policy Influencing for Gender infrastructure development, social protection passed it. He called for further
outcomes. transformative care policies and accessible, affordable and quality consultation and research on
infrastructure social services. These same recommendations the law. Oxfam and partners are
The same efforts yielded in IMF organizing a high-level were discussed in-country with over 40 Civil Society still working to ensure that the
meeting back in Uganda where Oxfam and partners Oxfam, UWONET, EPRC and Makerere School of Organizations to build a vibrant movement on law is passed in a form that is
were in attendance. A Civil Society Organization Women and Gender Studies shared a research report advocacy on unpaid care work. inclusive and protects the food
position paper highlighting the proposals raised at showing the ways in which the unpaid care and rights of women, who do most
the spring meeting was presented. domestic workload on women keeps them poor and We are looking forward to the next year where we of the agricultural work in the
perpetuates inequality over generations. According shall roll out a public campaign to engage and build country, and the poor.
18 OXFAM ANNUAL REPORT 2017 - 2018 to the report, women spend 6 hours daily on domestic a movement of citizens to rally behind pushing for
and unpaid care work, which is five times more than recognition and valuing of unpaid care and domestic
men. work.

OXFAM ANNUAL REPORT 2017 - 2018 19

3.0 Harnessing women’s collective Pushing for inclusion of local Prior to the Solidarity Summit, Oxfam mobilized fifty
voices during the 16 days of humanitarian actors national and local organizations for a dialogue in
the power of the people to address Activism Gulu on 7th to 8th June 2018 to discuss issues and
inequality Representative for local actors speaking at the the CRRF power concerns relating to the role of local and national Civil
During the 16 days of activism against gender-based cafe Society Organizations in the refugee response. The
Oxfam worked with partners to ensure that vulnerable communities become the violence, Oxfam and partner UWONET convened issues and recommendations to Government, Private
primary change agents of their own development. Oxfam has been investing in tools a critical reflection platform with women leaders OXFAM scaled up Empowering Local and National Sector, UN agencies, and International NGO’S were
that give power to the people to become strong advocates for their own rights. We across various sectors. This dialogue came at the Humanitarian Actors (ELNHA). This was to enable captured in a communiqué, which was presented at
mobilized citizens to speak out and challenge inequality of any forms within their height of Women targeted kidnaps and murders in them become stronger; visibly occupy space among one of the side events during the solidarity summit.
communities. the country. The platform shared and strategized other actors; and influence the agenda at local,
on how to reinstate women’s rights as a priority of national and international levels. Oxfam aims to Speaking on behalf of fifty national and local
the country’s social, economic and political agenda. see a shift of power, resources and capabilities organizations who were consulted ahead of the
The other discussions were on efforts to promote towards local/national humanitarian actors in order summit, Paparu Lilian Obiale, Humanitarian Program
women’s political and public leadership as well as to address the underlying inequalities within the Manager at CEFORD, an Oxfam partner in the West
mechanisms to ensure their security in the public humanitarian system. Nile region, said: “Ugandan civil society hopes
sphere. This consolidated voice from the women of that the summit would not only raise the profile of
Uganda in all spheres will go along way in building Mobilizing national and local refugees in Uganda but also bring much-needed
momentum on women’s rights issues. actor voice for the Solidarity funding and encourage real discussion about the
We continue building a critical mass of women Summit root causes of the displacement in the region. There
leaders in all spheres of our work. needs to be genuine discussion about how we foster
The President of Uganda alongside the UN Secretary sustainable futures both for refugees and those in
Hon. Margaret Baba Diri, woman representative for Koboko General agreed to call together a high-level dialogue. hosting communities.”
District speaks on issues of women’s rights This was in response to the significant increase in
refugee numbers in Uganda. The refugee Solidarity Oxfam also published a press release in which it
Summit intended to showcase Uganda’s strong called on the international community to provide
refugee policies and actualize the government funds, humanitarian aid and, crucially, pave the way
commitments to the New York Declaration to support for a peaceful resolution to conflicts in neighboring
the refugee response in Uganda. It provided time to countries.
reflect on the Comprehensive Refugee Response The summit ended with governments committing
Framework that is being piloted in Uganda as part of $117 million for the country’s South Sudan Refugee
the Global Compact on Refugees. The summit took Response.
place on 21st June 2017 in Kampala. We continue to be leaders in the discourse of
inclusion of these actors for a more effective,
sustainable and affordable humanitarian response.
This effort is being realised through the continuous
engagement of government, UNHCR, local and
national NGOs in order to increase funding that goes
to local actors.

Photo: Julius Caeser Kasujja/Oxfam OXFAM ANNUAL REPORT 2017 - 2018 21

20 OXFAM ANNUAL REPORT 2017 - 2018

Citizens rise to address gaps in service delivery Humanitarian platform for Local The initiative to create the platform came, during issues that contribute to growing inequality, poverty
Actors the Humanitarian Consultative Meeting on Uganda’s and hinder sustainable development.
The Inequality caravan included a People’s Parliament session which In January 2018, Oxfam in Uganda launched the Citizen mobilization during the inequality caravan in Soroti. Refugee Crisis and National Civil Society Response
aired on NTV Uganda, chaired by Agnes Nandutu. Photo: Julius Caeser ‘Inequality Caravan’ in North Eastern Uganda, as one Rose Atim, Oxfam Head of Program at the launch of the held in June 2017, Civil Society Organizations Oxfam supported the Land Awareness Week (LAW)
of the first actions of the Inequality campaign. The Photo: Julius Caeser Kasujja/Oxfam Humanitarian Platform. emphasized the need for an open platform to which took place in Soroti under the theme “Our Land,
Kasujja/Oxfam caravan gave a platform where citizens shared about strengthen the coordination and contribution of Our Heritage for Socio-Economic Development”. The
the challenges they face like the gaps in service address the gaps in order to address inequality. The Uganda National NGO Forum in partnership with local and national organizations to the humanitarian awareness week sought to raise awareness of the
“Recently we received dry orange seedlings from delivery. debate targeted over 1 million viewers. Oxfam launched the Humanitarian Platform for Local system in the country. The Uganda National NGO different land laws, Policies and Regulations in the
Government which could not be planted as they were and National NGOs on Wednesday 7th March 2018. Forum was selected to host the Platform. country.
no longer viable. Moreover, we poor farmers find it One of the caravan activities was a live debate “There is a regional imbalance in terms of resource The platform acts as a collective voice and promotes
difficult to get money from Operation Wealth Creation broadcast on NTV programme popularly known allocation by the Government. Most industries and partnerships and collaboration among members Mobilization for the Land Oxfam worked with partners to handle cases by
program. The money instead benefits those who don’t ‘People’s Parliament’. Here people shared their education facilities are in Central and Western and humanitarian stakeholders. The launch brought awareness week providing on - spot legal counseling, and the majority
even need it as much”. Ms. Jessica Omodo a female personal experiences and called on their leaders to Uganda.” Hellen, a farmer said. together key stakeholders from Government, were referred to other partners providing legal aid
farmer, during the people’s parliament debate. Development Partners, UN agencies, Private Sector, Female farmers march for their land ownership rights the Land
Voices of citizens such as these were shared at a Academia, and Civil Society and was officiated by Awareness Week. services in Soroti like Legal Aid Project
conference in Davos on “Raising citizens’ voices to the Minister of Relief and Disaster Preparedness. of Uganda Law Society. More than 1,400
the World Economic Forum (WEF)” in 2018 under the Some of the discussions were around the platform’s Photo: Julius Caesar Kasujja/Oxfam people were reached and 123 cases
slogan Creating a shared future in a fractured world. strategic focus, as well as, fostering relationships registered.
amongst actors. According to the Oxfam inequality report, the causes
We hope that by taking the inequality caravan of inequality take place within a framework that Land conflicts are rampant despite the
across the country, citizens get a chance to voice governs ownership and usage of productive resources existence of policies and laws addressing
issues that they are faced with and this will facilitate resources like land. There is need to address land these conflicts. This is attributed to the
dialogue on inequality and its impacts in Uganda. underlying reasons such as; ignorance
Ultimately, we want to influence policy makers and of the existing policies and laws among
other stakeholders to understand and effectively the population, ineffective institutional
address growing inequality by putting in place arrangements, ever - increasing
policies and structures that encourage inclusive population, inadequate funding for land
growth. conflict management, impunity and
political interference among others.

The Land Awareness Week aims to close
the awareness gaps by demystifing the various
misconceptions around land laws, and disseminate
information on the operations of the Ministry of
Lands Housing and Urban Development Zonal Offices.
It further enables documentation of evidence-based
land issues to inform national level advocacy on land
governance and land administration issues/policies
and laws.

22 OXFAM ANNUAL REPORT 2017 - 2018 OXFAM ANNUAL REPORT 2017 - 2018 23

Land Awareness Week- Amuru District, Amuru sub-county 2017 Land Awareness Week- Amuru District, Amuru sub-county 2017

Where are we? VOICES FOR HOPE

Onek Jervise Atunya (76 years old); Abalo Irene Otto (28years old)

Elder from Apaa, Amuru district says; Freelance Journalist

The government should help clarify our land boundaries. Are we in I have repeatedly reported about women land rights.
Adjumani District, the Wildlife reserve or Amuru District? We have had The fact that women have to get authorisation from
a prolonged challenge with our land since 2006. A court order passed men to use the land makes the product of their labor
on 9th April, 2012 deterred Uganda Wildlife Authority from unsettling men’s property too. To end violence against women,
the community but they never listened. Land ownership here is not we need to answer the land question. We need to
clear. Trading centers cannot even develop because people fear to invest begin viewing women as partners in the
their money. Government should see us as partners in development. development of this country because they are the
ones doing productive work especially in agriculture.
Most women in this community do not own land Women are feeding this nation so they deserve the
much as they are allowed to use it for agriculture. right to own land.
This has limited food production to subsistence
level with limited intentions for commercial To end violence against women, we
production. Land is either communally owned, need to answer the land question.
male individually owned or publicly owned.

244 6 MLHUD,OXFAM,PELUM,LANDnet,ActionAid,ARLPI,LASPNET,IIRR,IJM,FRA,ESAFF,ADLG,FIDA 25
OXFAM ANNUAL REPORT 2017 - 2018 OXFAM ANNUAL REPORT 2017 - 2018

MLHUD,OXFAM,PELUM,LANDnet,ActionAid,ARLPI,LASPNET,IIRR,IJM,FRA,ESAFF,ADLG,FIDA

Promoting Women’s Leadership effective lobbying, advocacy, influencing and moving girls. Convening a global expert for engagement for these marginalized groups, the in planning is curtailed by limited understanding of
and Participation resolutions on the floor of parliament.  Equipped meeting on inequality and public women were able to present a petition requesting the processes and the highly technical nature of
with a better understanding on the content of the “All primary schools in the district have toilets for girls spending the district to upgrade Nyakatonzi Health Centre II budget documents.
Oxfam believes that the complex threats to women marriage bill, UWOPA pledged to forward not only the because we realized that some girls were dropping to Health Centre III. Youths similarly presented their
rights today require a critical mass of women bill but other policies that benefit the citizens. out of school due to lack of access to such sanitary Oxfam under its strategic partnership project demands for a vocational school and highlighted the The grant to NUDIPU enabled the Organization to
movements to influence change. Through the year, facilities. Low education levels increase vulnerability organized an expert meeting on inequality and public absence of teachers at Omuruti primary school. conduct capacity building of its members including
we rallied women leaders especially the women Under the women leadership project, Oxfam trained of women and girls to violence.” Councilor, Nebbi spending. The objective was to push for publicly Uganda National Association of the Blind (UNAB),
Members of Parliament to take advantage of their women leaders to influence governance processes District. funded health care, education and social protection, Because of these engagements, the area Chief Mental Health Uganda (MHU), Uganda National
positions and numbers to influence gender sensitive and influence district agendas such as social which would support economic growth in the long Administrative Officer committed to upgrade the Association of the Deaf (UNAD), among others. These
policies. services prioritization and budgeting. In Kotido district, women leaders were able to run, especially benefiting women and girls, the most. Health Centre II to a Health Centre III while two were equipped with skills on budget analysis and
challenge gender inequality and pave way for teachers were allocated to the school. We continue advocacy to effectively review Government budgets
Working with Uganda Women Parliamentarian Because of these trainings, women leaders in the transformation of women in their district, which saw The meeting brought together experts from 14 to support the marginalized groups and amplify their and then engage civil servants in prioritizing the
Association (UWOPA), Oxfam and partner UWONET districts of Lamwo, Nebbi and Kotido moved at least the Kotido council pass motions to restore land to countries and representatives from UN Women, voices to be heard and included in the development needs of Persons with Disabilities in the health and
mobilized and trained Members of Parliament on fifteen (15) motions on women’s rights, which efforts widows. Development Finance International, Civil Society and processes. education sectors.
have ensured better outcomes for primary school the Ugandan Ministry of Finance.
Enabling persons with The support through Voice also enabled Persons
Facilitating women and girls in disabilities to participate in with Disabilities to engage on these issues on
pastoral communities to engage budget processes various platforms including radio and TV shows,
policy makers on access to advocacy meetings with Parliamentary Committees
quality service delivery. The commitment to fight inequality can be seen for Health and Education, and public budget
from the budgeting process and allocation of money dialogues on the People’s Parliament aired on NTV.
Inequality affects people disproportionately, with to sectors that benefit the welfare of the poor. The Because of utilizing these spaces and increased
the vulnerable most affected. Voice, an Oxfam challenge however is that citizens, especially the awareness, the concerns of Persons with Disabilities
program aims to address inequality by strengthening marginalized, do not understand nor participate are increasingly being prioritized.
the capacity of Civil Society Organizations in these budgeting processes. This contributes
Hon. Ruth Nakabirwa during the Orientation of Members of Parliament on the Marriage Bill. Nebbi Councillors drawing action plans on women’s rights representing the voices of the most marginalized to budgets that do not speak to their needs.
and discriminated groups.
26 OXFAM ANNUAL REPORT 2017 - 2018 Through Oxfam’s Voice program, National Union
Through Voice, Kabarole Research and Resource of Disabled Persons (NUDIPU) was facilitated
Centre (KRC), provided platforms for women and girls to enhance participation of Persons with
in the pastoralist communities of Ntoroko and Kasese Disabilities in the budget process in a project
to engage policy makers. The engagement was on entitled “Amplifying the Voices of Persons
issues of access to quality health and education with Disability in National Plans and Budgets
services, employment and business opportunities. in Uganda”. This intervention was informed
by a study by NUDIPU in 2014 which found
Before Voice, experts were championing most that; although PWDs have an opportunity
of the issues affecting the women and girls. By to participate in budget processes, their
providing spaces such as ‘Face the citizens’ rallies influence in budget allocation and involvement

OXFAM ANNUAL REPORT 2017 - 2018 27

For example, following the presentation of PWD The farmers were also trained on group and development services especially to the youth.
concerns including the call for fast tracking leadership dynamics, savings, post-harvest handling Through several businesses and entrepreneurship
the enactment of the Mental Health Bill, 2014 among others with an aim of building strong producer trainings like value addition (packaging and
by Parliament, there have been consultations groups and improving on women participation. branding), 31 youth were able to start new
of stakeholders including Disabled Persons businesses.
Organizations on the Bill by the Parliamentary Because of this tool and trainings, we have seen
Committee on the Health sector. It is envisaged women participating along all the stages of the value Overall, through this value chain work that focused
that continued awareness and pressure will result chains just like men, engaged in marketing their on cassava, honey, fruits and coffee, we reached
into incorporation of the needs of Persons with produce and having control on how the proceeds are and changed the lives of 4118 small scale holder
Disabilities in the two sectors. spent. farmers especially women.

Empowering women through In order to also support youth in these value chains,
the value chains to bridge the Oxfam, with partners like IFRAD offered business
inequality gap
Case story
In Uganda, over 70% of the agricultural labour force
is made up of women. They however face a number of Irene from Patiko Subcounty Gulu District started a horticulture business growing watermelon and
social - economic challenges as compared to men. cucumber. She sells these to various restaurants in her community and at the weekly village market in
This keeps them at the bottom of the agricultural Patiko. Her sales have been boosted to 50,000UGX per week during the peek harvesting season. Due to
value chains and not participating in processes like that, Irene is now able to save money unlike before where she worked as a casual labourer. “With my
adding value to their produce as well as markets. profits, I plan to buy an ox with a plough which I can hire out to the people I worked for before.”
Such inequalities are due to differential access to
labour, inputs, and information among others. 4.0

The gender situation in Agriculture has been saving lives now and in the future
worsened by division of roles among men and women
with women engaging in less productive stages of Instability in South Sudan and neighboring countries including the Democratic
the value chains like planting and weeding. Republic of Congo and Burundi continued to displace more people into Uganda
among other countries. The total number of refugees and asylum seekers in
Oxfam and partners came in with a tool to create Uganda as of 31st January 2018 was 1,411,794 (UNHCR update 2nd March 2018). The
gender balance at the different levels of the value population of South Sudanese was the largest at 43 percent with over 1,050,000
chains. Using the Gender Action Learning System South Sudanese refugees and asylum seekers in the country as per the reporting
tool also known as GALS, families and groups were period. Women and children (less than 18 years) make up the biggest percentage of
able to see the value of working together at all levels the total population at 82% 
as the tool provided them with an opportunity to
reflect on the opportunities and challenges in their
lives.

28 OXFAM ANNUAL REPORT 2017 - 2018 OXFAM ANNUAL REPORT 2017 - 2018 29

Oxfam, working with local partners supported She came to Uganda in 2001 at the age of eight, “My clients are both refugees and Ugandans. People WASH Coordination and response Promoting sanitation and hygiene
around 635,763 refugees and host communities fleeing the violence in the DRC together with her here have not much money so they can afford going
in the different response areas. The response is in mother and sister. to a saloon rather rarely. Often I have no more than   Children wash their feet at Sweswe reception point in Kyaka II refugee education. 31 school sanitation
Bidibidi and Rhino settlements in Arua district, Imvepi two customers per week,” she mentions. “However, settlement. Photo: Viktorija Jeras/Oxfam clubs were formed/reactivated
settlement Yumbe district, and Palabek settlement Sandra has been volunteering with Oxfam since it helps me a lot. Thanks to the saloon that I initiated Florentine, a refugee from DRC at a water point in Kyaka refugee and trained on good hygiene
Lamwo district. April this year. “I like it,” she says. “I am educating with Danish Refugee Council’s (DRC) support, and settlement. Photo: Viktorija Jeras/Oxfam We improved sanitation by supporting the construction of practices. To ensure that the girls
people about gender equality here in the settlement, thanks to Oxfam that pays me some money for communal and individual household latrines and bathing are kept in school, at least 8,500
In these response areas, refugees and the host simplifying the concept so that everyone can promoting equal rights among refugees, I can buy In 2017 and early 2018, Oxfam provided people with access shelters. Garbage pits at markets and schools along with pupils; 60% girls were supported
communities were provided with safe water, understand. Given that there are so many new food and clothes for my family and invest more in my to safe water through water trucking, borehole drilling and laundry decks for washing clothes at water points were with reusable sanitary kits.
sanitation and hygiene facilities. Oxfam also provided arrivals to the settlement, I hope Oxfam will keep salon.” motorised water systems. This was in partnership with local constructed to ensure hygiene at settlement level.
emergency food security and livelihood support that educating people about peaceful coexistence in the service providers, government and partners in the refugee To further promote the uptake of good hygiene practices, 400 mama kits were given to
includes energy saving stoves, agriculture inputs family and in the community,” Sandra points out. Sandra now teaches styling skills to other women settlements. we used activities such as supply of hygiene kits, involving Omugo Health Center to support
and tools and cash for work programme. interested in hair styling and retouching. “My course children as change agents, training of hygiene maintenance safe delivery for pregnant mothers
Whenever time allows her, she walks into a place is much cheaper than similar courses outside the committees in markets and at water points and facilitating and 41 Village Health Teams within
Oxfam’s intervention also included gender and very dear to her - the hair salon. “As a child, I loved settlement,” she explains. “I know how difficult it is weekly environment cleaning campaigns. We further built host communities were trained on
protection of refugees and largely using the evidence salons and always dreamt about managing one. for a big majority of refugees to afford anything but capacity of users to form committees responsible for Community Led Total Sanitation
generated from this work for advocacy. Here in Kyakya II, my dream came true,” she tells the basic needs,” she says while observing one of ensuring proper maintenance of the facilities to the hygiene [CLTS] approach and key hygiene
me. Looking around me, I see the place is simple but her students helping her in the saloon. standards put in place. and sanitation practices.
All the response interventions are linked to our well equipped. Posters depicting various hairstyles Oxfam also promoted sanitation and hygiene in schools to
development work of building the resilience of and hair plaits in different colours decorate the raw “I hope that one day, this saloon will be well known. I enhance the safety of the children while supporting their We run campaigns to create
these communities. Also key is that Oxfam has and walls. would like even people in Kampala to know about it.” awareness and behavioral
continues to take periodic actions to strengthen the change in hygiene practices like
capacity of local humanitarian actors. Beyond saving Rainwater harvesting tanks were installed in institutions hand washing among others.
lives, we are strengthening humanitarian capacity of (schools and health facilities) to facilitate rainwater Aids like billboards were used to
local actors (partners and local governments) as a harvesting for both refugees and host populations. The share messages promoting safe
way of ensuring better, quicker and cost effective district Water Offices of Arua and Yumbe were equipped with water chains,hand washing with
preparedness. water quality testing equipment and volunteers trained on soap among other good hygiene
residual chlorine monitoring for trucked water.   practices.

For Sandra, Dreams Do Come True The water systems constructed, especially the motorised
ones, are not just providing refugees and host communities
She keeps her vivid green Oxfam vest on while she with sustainable water sources but demonstrate a
enters a hair salon just off a dusty road in Kyakya preparedness plan and cost effective approach.
II refugee settlement. “I promote equal rights;” her
vest says on the back side. She welcomes me to the
salon with a big smile.

Left: Sandra in her salon. Right: Sandra’s student prepares to work on a customer’s hair. Photo: Viktorija Jeras/Oxfam

30 OXFAM ANNUAL REPORT 2017 - 2018 OXFAM ANNUAL REPORT 2017 - 2018 31

Emergency food and Oxfam supported refugee and host community Women refugees in Bidibidi settlement making reusable peace building and reconciliation at different levels, Within the year, innovations and new Photo: One of the 16 street solar lights installed in Rhino
Environmental protection households to establish kitchen gardens by sanitary pads (RUMPS). Photo: Oxfam including the need to involve women refugees in the technologies to address WASH challenges in Extension – Omugo
enabling access to seedlings and farming tools. We peace building processes. humanitarian actions were scaled up. Oxfam
Saving energy daily encouraged those groups to grow vegetables for this is majorly in response to the high levels of continued to work with sector partners
home consumption to improve on their nutrition. The school dropouts by the girl child for fear of being Preparedness on water and sanitation product research
Oxfam designed and distributed energy saving fire gardens are easily accessible, easy to maintain and stigmatised by their male counterparts when they and development of WASH innovations.
shielded rocket stoves, which reduced the use less laborious and can be managed by both men and soil their dresses while they are in menstruation We continued to monitor the situations in the region Research like the Gender Based Violence
of fuel, wood or charcoal by half to over 12,652 women. Different varieties of crops like tomatoes, periods. Oxfam has further trained these groups in especially in South Sudan and The Democratic and Sanitation Lighting survey explored
households. This also helped in saving time in cabbages and green pepper are grown. the referral pathways for them to understand how to Republic of Congo. We developed a national multi- the potential risks that persons of concern
collecting firewood and cooking, reduced the risk deal and best refer cases of gender-based violence. hazard contingency plan with consultations from may be exposed to within the different
of sexual assault for the women, and conflict with Gender and protection Other innovations within gender like the waka waka UNHCR and humanitarian partners. This enabled settlements. Oxfam leveraged on such
host communities over the right to use local forests. solar lighting were all geared towards improving the Oxfam to prepare, fundraise and respond to the studies and surveys to stand out and bring
To enhance sustainability and resilience, we carried Isabela is an SGBV survivor and currently works as a leader in safety of women especially in the night. increased influx of South Sudanese refugees in West on board more innovations in WASH and GBV
out a training of trainers on energy saving stoves. the gender and protection committee in Palabek settlement. Nile Region and Lamwo District from February 2017 response and prevention. These included
These trainees have been able to replicate the Building peace & social harmony and DRC refugees in Kyaka II settlement early 2018. solar lights, recycling solid waste into
trainings and many people can now construct energy Photo: Oxfam briquettes among others.
saving stoves on their own. With the solid waste Oxfam supported the formation and strengthened Oxfam under the Empowering Local and National
management initiative, we conducted trainings in Oxfam carried out an analysis of the protection needs peace committees within the different response Humanitarian Actors project, supported capacity These were piloted within the settlements
recycling solid waste into briquettes in Arua as a for the different genders in the different response locations made up of refugee and host communities. building of both local and national actors to enhance and contributed hugely to improving the lives
way of conserving the environment as an income locations, designed and continued to deliberately These committees were trained and engaged in their preparedness to respond to all categories of of refugees and their host communities.
generating activity. implement activities that reduce vulnerability, facilitating social harmony. They are engaged in emergencies. The capacity building was through
Enhancing nutrition through kitchen gardening mitigate and prevent gender based violence counseling but also other activities that promote training, mentoring and coaching. Solid wastes recycling into briquettes in Arua
among refugees and host communities. Community peaceful co- existence like campaigns for peace reached 5 groups of 25 members who were
Mary watering her vegetable garden in Bidibidi settlement. structures were nurtured and strengthened like the through songs and drama. They are also crucial in Innovations and new trained and equipped with machines and
Gender and Protection Committees and Women Own identifying key issues that lead to conflicts as well technologies to improve lives: protective gear. They are now producing and
Photo: Julius Caesar Kasujja/Oxfam Fora whose members identify protection threats as possible solutions and engage in settlement selling briquettes in the long run recycling
and risks and refer them appropriately. Women and advocacy around this. Different agencies including Members of Loketa women’s savings group from Rhino camp waste and protecting the environment.
32 OXFAM ANNUAL REPORT 2017 - 2018 girls were trained in making Reusable Sanitary Pads Oxfam used their messages and voices to call for settlement engage in making fuel briquettes out of crop
( RUMPS); waste. ©Elizabeth Stevens/Oxfam The solar lights also known as the waka waka
solar lights were installed in the settlements
as well as smaller ones given out to groups
categorized as vulnerable. These were
to aid in lighting at night. The categories
included – police, health centres, Gender
and Protection committees, breastfeeding
and pregnant mothers, child-headed
households, survivors of Sexual Gender
Based Violence and torture, persons with
terminal ailments like cancer and people
living with HIV/AIDS.

OXFAM ANNUAL REPORT 2017 - 2018 33

Rebuilding lives with beads and a In Uganda’s Bidibidi refugee resettlement, one hard work for her and her children, so she didn’t give 5.0
megaphone woman is helping others make money—and much thought to the jewelry. But then people started program quality and learning/meal
heal—through a jewelry-making group.     to compliment her necklaces.
Sarah, the chairperson of a handicrafts group in Bidibidi We continue learning from the work we did as well as from the people we
refugee setttlement, calls women to join her group. Forced from their homes after three years of brutal The group gives women the opportunity to make money and a worked with. We piloted new ideas and documented experiences to inform our
civil war in South Sudan, more than a million people safe space to share their experiences. Photo: Kieran Doherty/Oxfam approaches within the year.
Photo:Kieran Doherty/Oxfam are starting again as refugees in resettlement
areas in Uganda. Though life is tough here, hope is The group gives women the opportunity to
Womens group members demonstrate their intricate bead work sprouting.  make money and a safe space to share their
in Bidi Bidi Refugee Settlement in Uganda. experiences.
Take Sarah, who is empowering other women through “The idea of the group just came to me,” says Sarah.
Sarah leads the beading group which gives women a handicrafts group she runs out of her home. She “People started asking me how I make the necklaces.
the opportunity to make money and a safe space to knows only too well how easy it is to lose sight of They’d bring back materials and other women, and I
share their experiences. hope when war has taken your loved ones and forced started teaching them. Now, I just take a megaphone
you to leave your country. and call the women to come to the meeting.”
34 OXFAM ANNUAL REPORT 2017 - 2018 With help from Oxfam, Sarah hosts the group at her
Like so many others fleeing South Sudan, Sarah has new home, where the women craft jewelry together
had an incredibly traumatic few years. Her husband to be sold at the local market. As well as putting a
was killed during the conflict in Juba and she had bit of money in their pockets, the meetings also
to run with her children–leaving everything else give them an opportunity to share their traumatic
behind. She ended up in Uganda’s Bidibidi refugee experiences in a safe space.
settlement, a 100-square-mile area near the South Besides the supplementary income, Sarah says the
Sudanese border where the country’s government group has given her a renewed sense of purpose.
has given small plots of land to people arriving so “It gives you something bigger, something that you
they can feed their families, and start again. can push life on with,” she says. “I am staying happy
because of that.”
Oxfam has an undeniable presence at Bidibidi. We
supply 70 percent of its residents with clean water–
and we’ve also helped Sarah get an ingenious idea
off the ground, too.

Sarah’s helping other refugees start over—and
that’s something to shout about.

Before the conflict, Sarah enjoyed creating her own
brightly colored jewelry and selling it at the local
market to supplement her family’s income.

When she got to Bidibidi, her life was consumed
with preparing her plot of land. It was extremely

OXFAM ANNUAL REPORT 2017 - 2018 35

Monitoring build the resilience capacities of the people we Building strong institutions to Learning growth capital. We further learned about the value Evaluation and Learning (MEAL) plan and its baseline
work with. address gender-based violence of storytelling and that personal stories (successes report to solidify understanding on these documents
As a way of ensuring quality program delivery, we held Regional learning event on SME’s and failures) from entrepreneurs have real power. and this helped improve the understanding of the
several joint monitoring visits. Out of these visits, we A Gender Action Learning Systems training was done During the year, our women’s rights work expanded baseline report and the project MEAL plan.
checked project progress, identified support needs, for partner staff of both Africa 2000 Network (A2N) to work with institutions that provide justice to Oxfam hosted a learning event in Nairobi with Oxfam Reviews
received feedback from the participants as well and NaCRRI as well as selected project beneficiaries survivors of Gender Based Violence. Through our colleagues and partner representatives from 6 Documentation
as offered onsite support. Under the Right to Food of the Cassava Applied Research for Food Security work with Centre for Domestic Violence Prevention countries involved in SME development projects. It Together with partners we held both bi annual and
(R2F) project monitoring visits that were conducted project. Unlike before, the partner staff appreciated (CEDOVIP), Oxfam enhanced capacity of key actors in was a very valuable exchange between like-minded annual project review meetings. These meetings Some of the activities we have engaged in are
in November 2017, critical issues were immediately the efforts that Oxfam puts in to ensure that women the referral pathway. The key actors included police practitioners. One of the talking points was the helped us to strategize, learn from each other and baseline surveys, mapping of best practices in
addressed and a detailed roadmap with strong rights are respected. Partners are now able to deliver officers, health professionals, and key leaders at need to focus more on impact-driven SME’s, those share experiences. We also established feedback different fields as well as research, data collection
commitments was developed and implemented by gender sensitive interventions, keeping in mind the district level. These actors were trained on what companies that deliver social and/or environmental mechanisms among partners but also with the for ongoing projects to inform reporting among
Oxfam and partners. Within the reporting period we differences in community. constitutes GBV, the legal provisions and the actors impact through their core business (i.e. products, people we work with. others. We have also used mechanisms such as
had over 7 monitoring visits. in GBV prevention. Despite progressive legislation on operations, sourcing). These businesses can benefit collection of case stories/studies to keep track of
Partners’ capacity was built in a 2 days’ workshop gender equality, enforcement is weak, which further significantly from business support and access to On 4th September, Oxfam in Uganda convened our work.
Capacity building/training/ on national, regional and international seeds exacerbates women’s and girls vulnerability. We R2F partners and reviewed the project Monitoring,
Systems strengthening policies. It was in collaboration with The Hague believe that once the institutions have the capacity
office, Integrated Seeds Sector Development (ISSD) with the right attitude and skills, they will go a
As a Strategy to build resilience in communities & Bioversity International as key national allies. The long way in providing the much-needed services
where we work, we have incorporated other workshop helped Oxfam to know and advocate for like case identification and follow up by police,
components in our development work such as the passing of Uganda seeds laws and policies that timely and proper medical examination from health
training communities engaged in agriculture are in draft forms and focus more on international professionals, expeditious justice dispensation
as well as partners on Disaster Risk Reduction and regional seeds laws. from the courts of law. In the Women’s rights project
(DRR) and Climate Change Adaptation (CCA). For operational areas; the women and girls have gained
example from 17th to 23rd October 2017 AFCE and We also conducted trainings on Farmer Field Schools confidence to reach out to these institutions for
440 farmers (185 Female, 255 Male) in the coffee methodology to empower partners and farmers support and services. Ultimately, we believe this
value chain were taken through the same training. to actively engage in participatory plant breeding will lead to reduction of the inequality gap between
Other capacity building trainings were; Farming activities at local and national level. The 10 days women, men, girls and boys.
As a Business (FAAB), Saving With a Purpose Training of Trainers session benefitted a total of
(SWAP) and using Gender Action Learning Systems 25 partner staff and was facilitated by a team of
(GALS) as an inclusive gender planning tool. In 5 facilitators from The Philippines and Zimbabwe.
the humanitarian work, a number of groups were Through this training, Oxfam and partners were
trained on making reusable sanitary towels, motivated to strengthen their work on seeds right
briquettes out of solid waste as well as on the GBV and responded to a funding call on plant genetic
referal pathways. With this, we have been able to resources under sowing diversity equals harvesting
security program of SIDA.

Oxfam staff and partners during different review meetings.

36 OXFAM ANNUAL REPORT 2017 - 2018 OXFAM ANNUAL REPORT 2017 - 2018 37

6.0 Staff our competent HR team to continuously strengthen Employment Act on sexual violence at work. It was a
and grow the capacity of staff in both technical and very practical and enlightening experience that had
people experience By the end of the reporting period, we had a total of soft competences in order to effectively deliver our one of my colleagues exclaiming that he had never
109 staff, with 45 women, 66 men. Our staff levels country strategy. been able to read and understand these policies
Oxfam acknowledges that people experience is the most important asset of the doubled in number and are expected to grow further on his own. It felt like he was reading my mind. I
organization. Therefore our duties as the HR department is to plan, maintain, motivate, due to the expansion of our humanitarian program Safeguarding has been Oxfam Uganda’s priority am sure so many employees from their respective
develop the people experience at both individual and team levels in order to ably portfolio to meet the demands of the increasing influx and trainings have been conducted. This helped organizations could be in the same boat; appending
achieve the Organisation’s objectives. This year has seen Oxfam in Uganda grow both of refugees. This has necessitated the establishment to enhance staff awareness of their rights and signatures just for the sake of it.
in program and numbers. During this period, all HR initiatives were aimed at supporting of additional mini offices in the refugee settlements obligations as employees of Oxfam. It also created an
the teams to cope with the immense growth that Oxfam has undergone. of Imvepi and Bidibidi for better support and closer environment where we hold each other accountable. Sexual harassment at work is prevalent. It is not
follow up of response activities. In the same light, there was a review of our National something that activists are ranting about for the
Staff Terms & Conditions and Code of Conduct, hence sake of it. So many men and women especially, are
As a result of this growth, the overall country the need for refresher trainings in these areas. being harassed -through the language used, the
structure was reviewed to accommodate and manage portrayal, some women have been cornered by their
the effects of the growth on staff, structures and Sexual Harassment Policy Here superiors to do sexual favours, others have been
systems. to Protect Us raped!

Ours is a diverse team along the dimensions of race, I had no idea how protected I am by my organizational You could be saying, “no one can harass me or
ethnicity, gender, age, religious and political beliefs, policies until after a staff reflection session I intimidate me into having sex with them”, power to
and several other ideologies. We celebrate this participated in during the 16 days of activism against you for standing up for yourself! There are so many
diversity by respecting each individual’s uniqueness Gender based violence. In fact, until then, I always young boys and girls, however, that are fresh out of
and recognizing our individual differences. This has imagined that these policies that we are made to university, or those that don’t have a developed self
in the end created synergy in our workplace. sign when we are joining the organization were just esteem that are being preyed on by unscrupulous
a bunch of strict laws sugarcoated in many English beings.
This was evidenced during our annual staff retreat terms meant to scare people into being on their best
that was held in January 2018, to celebrate behavior. It is disgusting. What is more disturbing is that so
achievements and strengthen team cohesion. We many of these women fear to speak out not only
had meaningful interaction and fun team building On so many occasions; if not all, I have just passively because they are scared of being branded with
activities. It was a time for reflection and renewal of appended my signature to such documents because scathing names, but mostly because they are not
our commitment to the Oxfam vision. it is a requirement, and I need the position. I hardly aware that there are laws and policies in place to
took time to read and understand them because they protect them or to give them justice.
Trainings and Capacity Building are usually wordy and kind of difficult to read on your
own. This staff reflection session to me was a big success.
As more than half of our human resource is made up I believe if all employers took such initiatives to
of new staff, we carried out induction and trainings During the reflection that was held at Oxfam Lamwo make their employees fully aware of their rights and
for all staff on Oxfam key policies and procedures in field office, we had group work in which we studied responsibilities, we shall have put up a really big
all offices. Oxfam Anti bullying/Harassment policy and the fight against sexual harassment; and who knows, we
will win it!
Through the year, there has been deliberate effort by By Hariet Ayugi/Oxfam Public Health Promotion Officer

38 OXFAM ANNUAL REPORT 2017 - 2018 OXFAM ANNUAL REPORT 2017 - 2018 39

7.0 our partners /COLLABORATIONS OXFAM IN UGANDA PARTNERS 2017/18

Partner Acronym Partner Full Names Partner Acronym Partner Full Names

Economic Empowerment for A2n Africa 2000 Network Csbag Civil Society Budget Advocacy Group
Sustainable Livelihoods Cream
approach in which we have been working as AAU Action Aid International Uganda Copacso Community Organisation For Rural Enterprise Activity
By Stella Grace Lutalo, Country Coordinator, partners. We are jointly working on emerging Management
PELUM Uganda development concerns of the spiraling ADOL Action for Development of Local communities
inequality and together, we are confronting Coalition Of Pastoralists Civil Society Organisaitons
PELUM Uganda has enjoyed great collaboration drivers of inequality such as land grabbing and
with Oxfam since 2006. Our journey together has gender inequality as well as building resilience Adp Aridland Development Programme Chapter Four Chapter Four
been very rewarding. In the earlier years, we of farming communities through enabling them
greatly profited from institutional strengthening realize their right to food as a way of narrowing Afce Agency For Community Empowerment Drt Development Research And Training
of PELUM Uganda, her members and the farmers the growing gap between the rich and the poor.
on Farmer Led Documentation and Knowledge Afic Africa Freedom Of Information Center Esaff Eastern And Southern Small Scale Farmers Forum
sharing. Our focus has been on influencing policy
processes and changes in favor of the AU Albinism Umbrella Fra Food Rights Alliance
Later on, we started to jointly tackle issues marginalized communities. Fawe
on poverty and injustice, where we promoted Awyad African Women And Youth Action For Development Fida Forum for African Women Educationalists - Uganda
agriculture market development for smallholder I am proud to say that over the years, the Chapter
farmers while addressing gender injustices collaboration between PELUM Uganda and Care Care International
using the Gender Action Learning Systems Oxfam has successfully reached over 300,000 Uganda Association Of Women Lawyers
(GALS) Methodology. vulnerable men and women in Uganda.
Caritas Caritas Kotido Diocese Fro Friends Of Orphans
GALS has now become a household methodology Throughourcollaboration,PELUMUgandahashad
within PELUM Uganda. We have extensively used great learnings on research and documentation, Cci Children’s Chance International Fokapawa Forum For Kalongo Parish Women Association
GALS in value chain development and have influencing, gender mainstreaming and most
also developed models of integration of the importantly looking beyond poverty to its Cedovip Centre For Domestic Violence Prevention Fhri Foundation For Human Rights Initiative
methodology in climate change, advocacy, land underlying issues and concerns of governance,
rights and seed security interventions. With inequality and injustice. Ceford Community Empowerment For Rural Development Gra Global Rights Alert
GALS, gender justice results are assured for
generations. As we move towards the future, we look forward Ceged Centre for Governance and Economic Development Gloford Global Forum 4 Development
to further collaboration with Oxfam to confront
In the more recent years, Oxfam took on a new the emerging inequality catastrophe in Uganda. Cewit Citizens Watch It Iirr International Institute For Rural Reconstruction

Cerid Community Empowerment And Rehabilitation Ifrad International Foundation For Recovery And Development

40 OXFAM ANNUAL REPORT 2017 - 2018 OXFAM ANNUAL REPORT 2017 - 2018 41

8.0 our incomes and expenditure

Partner Acronym Partner Full Names Partner Acronym Partner Full Names INCOME - Funding sources Amount (EUR) %
Belgium Govt. € 605,067 4.2%
Ifpri International Food Policy Research Institute Pelum Participatory Ecological Land Use Management Dutch Govt. 13.4% INCOME - FUNDING SOURCES
Seatini ECHO € 1,936,627 32.8%
Kidfa Kitgum District Farmers Association Scf Southern And Eastern Africa Trade & Information IKEA Foundation € 4,743,447 11.4% 13% 3%
Negotiations Institute Oxfam Affiliates € 1,650,662 12.5%
Krc Kabarole Research and Resource Centre IrishAid € 1,807,793 2.9% OXFAM AFFILIATES IRISHAID
Save the Children International UNHCR 16.4%
Others € 421,412 6.3% 11% 17%
Kapda Karamoja Peace And Development Agency Soruda Soruda Total € 2,376,465
  IKEA FOUNDATION UNHCR
Lutino Adunu Lutino Adunu (Children At Heart) SORAK Sorak Development Agency Income Sharing € 911,773
Oxfam € 14,453,245 % 33% 6%
Landnet Landnet Tunado The Uganda National Apiculture Development Organisation Partner Organisations 47%
Total Amount (EUR) 53% ECHO OTHERS
LASPNET Legal Aid Service Providers Network Udn Uganda Debt Network € 6,780,351 100%
Thematic Investment € 7,672,894 4%
Lgihe Luigi Giussani Institute Of Higher Education Ula Uganda Land Alliance Governance & Accountability %
Resilient Livelihoods € 14,453,245 11% BELGIUM GOVT
Humanitarian Preparedness & Response
Programme Development Amount (EUR) 8% 13%
Total Programme Cost € 1,595,621 69%
Management & Support Cost € 1,086,614 DUTCH GOVT
Total € 9,997,623 2%
Mada Manna Development Agency Unatu Uganda National Teachers Union € 233,331 89% AMOUNT (EUR)
11%
Nudipu National Union Of Disabled Persons Uganda URAA Uganda Reach the Aged Association € 12,913,190 100%
€ 1,540,055
Oca Open Capital Advisors Urdmc Uganda Refugee And Disaster Management Council 11% 11%
€ 14,453,245
P4c Passion 4 Community Development Uwonet Uganda Womens Network MANAGEMENT & GOVERNANCE &
SUPPORT COST ACCOUNTABILITY
Pac Public Affairs Centre Uyonet Uganda Youth Network
2% 7%
Pag Pentecostal Assemblies Of God Worudet Women In Rural Development
PROGRAMME RESILIENT
Pachedo Partner For Community Health And Development DEVELOPMENT LIVELIHOODS

69%

HUMANITARIAN
PREPAREDNESS &
RESPONSE

42 OXFAM ANNUAL REPORT 2017 - 2018 OXFAM ANNUAL REPORT 2017 - 2018 43

9.0 An open Letter to Members of Parliament on Constitution (Amendment) Bill No. 13/2017

in the news The Members of Parliament of Uganda possession of the declared property upon depositing the Constitution recognizes that individuals and communities are likely to Buliisa has displaced hundreds of people, many of whom have never
Plot 16-18 Parliament Avenue compensation awarded for the property with court, pending have less bargaining power than government and ensures they have been compensated or resettled. A case against government for failing
Online Presence P.O. Box 7178 determination by the court of the disputed compensation the right to access a court of law in case there is a dispute over to compensate the people whom the refinery displaced has been
Kampala-Uganda awarded to the property owner or person having an interest in or compensation. pending since 2014. These project Affected Persons (PAPs) were
Our online presence on Facebook, Dear Hon. Members of Parliament, right over the property; Yet, the Bill in its current form fails to recognize the unfair balance of stopped from using their land in 2012, yet to date some of these PAPs
twitter, Youtube and Flickr continues to We write to express our concerns regarding the implications of c) Empower the property owner or person having an interest in or power between ordinary people and government. In a country where have not been paid or given alternative pieces of land.
grow. Constitution (Amendment) Bill No. 13/2017 which was tabled in right over the property to access the deposited compensation 80 percent of the population still relies on agriculture, it seeks to Secondly, Government expects these PAPs to accept rates that the
This year, we gained over 2,800 Parliament on 13th July 2017. The Bill seeks to amend Article 26(2) of awarded at any time during the dispute resolution process; and undermine the power of people to demand a fair price for their district land board set in 2012, ignoring the fact that land has
supporters across our platforms. We the Constitution by allowing government to possess land before d) Empower Parliament to prescribe, by law, the time within which property so that they can earn a decent living even as the country appreciated and the cost of living has far increased. There have also
actively engaged with our supporters prompt payment of fair and adequate compensation in case the land disputes arising out of compensation shall be resolved. pursues development. The constitution recognizes that development been allegations in the public domain that some of these PAPs have
across all platforms with 1,200,000 owner disputes the amount awarded. By inserting immediately after clause (2) of the Current Article 26, the must be fair and inclusive. Forcing people out of their land and been intimidated into signing documents declaring that they have
impressions. The Right to Property following; depositing their money in court is also a violation of the right to life. been compensated even when they were not, while others were
In a move to make information access We note that the Constitution, Article 26, expressly provides for the "(3) Where the owner of property or any person having any interest in Whereas the Bill proposes that this money would be accessible to the allegedly told to take whatever amount is on offer or leave with
and reach better, we launched our right to property and exceptions to it. The provision states: or right over property objects to the compensation awarded under a land owners “at any time during the determination of the dispute”, we nothing at all.
country website (uganda.oxfam.org) 1) Every person has a right to own property either individually or in law made under clause (2)(b), the Government or local government are concerned that with the high poverty and inequality levels in On the other hand, some PAPs have been abandoned in resettlement
which has increased involvement of the shall deposit with court for the property owner or any person having Uganda, poor landowners could be forced to settle for the contested villages without basic amenities such as water, schools or markets
public. association with others. any interest in or right over the property, the compensation awarded compensation to meet their immediate needs. The Constitutional and in exclusion from community life that they were used to. In 2013,
2) No person shall be compulsorily deprived of property or any for the property, and the Government or local government shall take court in other cases has held that denying somebody their land and the constitutional court declared sections of the Land Acquisition Act
44 OXFAM ANNUAL REPORT 2017 - 2018 possession of the property pending determination by the court of any home and driving them out of the community unfairly is a violation of that allow government to possess land before compensating those
interest in or over property of any description except where the dispute relating to the compensation. the person’s right to belong to the community, earn a decent living and with interest in the land to be in violation of the constitution.
following conditions are satisfied; (4) The owner of property or person having any interest in or right be able to live a life of dignity. We therefore believe this proposed amendment is totally against this
a) the taking of possession or acquisition is necessary for over the property shall have a right to access the compensation Compromised judicial independence court decision and further seeks to legitimize injustice.
deposited with the court referred to in clause (3) at any time during the The constitution is clear that the judiciary should be independent. Lost Legitimacy
public use or in the interest of defence, public safety, public determination of the dispute. Driving someone into a desperate landless situation then forcing them Hon MPs, the inevitable consequence of abusing power and
order, public morality or public health; and (5) Parliament shall, by law, prescribe the time within which any to negotiate with the law and not the government who is taking their exercising it in disregard of the constitution and the people’s will is
b) the compulsory taking of possession or acquisition of dispute referred to in clause (3) shall be determined." land is a way of arm twisting both courts and people whose property discontent to the people who entrusted you with power. To take away
property is made under a law which makes provision for— However, what the Bill really does is threaten the lives and livelihoods has been taken. The sense of desperation created is likely to interfere the lives and livelihoods of your people is to betray them. If you amend
i. prompt payment of fair and adequate compensation, of the poorest and most vulnerable. It is: with a fair and speedy hearing and may affect the final decision of article 26 as is proposed, you will be compromising the livelihoods of
An attack on the Constitution court. The Constitution places the responsibility on government to those who elected you and this will equally erode their faith in you.
prior to the taking of possession or acquisition of the Human rights are not a gift from government. The Constitution, under equip courts with enough money and personnel to ensure cases are What MPs should do instead
property; and Article 21, recognizes that human rights are inherent- people are handled fast. The constitution, Land Act and National Land Policy Rather than amending article 26 (2), MPs should:
ii. a right of access to a court of law by any person who has entitled to them naturally because they are human. People’s rights to further provide for establishment of land tribunals to handle land • Reject this Bill and, complying with Article 26 (2)(b), make laws
an interest or right over the property. enjoy their land and be compensated fairly, to earn a decent livelihood cases fast, but government has failed to reinstate them since their
Hon MPs, from the onset, we recognize government’s constitutional and utilize an impartial court of law without being manipulated into suspension in 2007. which provide for prior and prompt payment of adequate
powers of compulsory acquisition as critical for development. accepting unfair compensation are not negotiable. As members of Depositing money in court does not amount to compensation. The compensation. The first step would be to revise the Land
However, we contend that compulsory land acquisition, just like all parliament, people trusted you with their vote so that you could go and prior compensation envisaged under the Constitution is to the Acquisition Act to conform with Article 26 and the Constitutional
government power, should be exercised humanely and in compliance protect these rights. We expect you to exercise power in accordance property owner or someone with interest in the property. Courts, in court decision that declared provisions that sought to take away
with the will of the people and the Constitution which is the supreme with the will of the people. You must not sacrifice your people at the line with their legal mandate, can only receive compensation money the right to prior compensation unconstitutional. Fast track the
law of the land. Land acquisition in Uganda is bedeviled by many other altar of development which, if done without safeguarding human after hearing a case and deciding that the compensation is fair and Land Acquisition Bill and pass it in a form that conforms to
issues including corruption. The ongoing Commission of Inquiry on rights, will leave them worse off. We expect you to uphold adequate. The Bill makes court an agent of the parties rather than a fair constitutional provisions on property rights.
Land Matters has exposed scandals in some projects requiring large constitutionalism and the rule of law. vehicle of justice. It gives government ownership of all land in • Demand that government operationalizes land tribunals and
scale land acquisition. An abuse of power and property rights perpetuity as government would be able possess any land even concerned ministries allocate enough human and financial
About the Bill Article 26 was formulated with the spirit of the Constitution in mind. without compensating affected people. The only land not belonging to resources to courts so that they can speedily handle cases,
According to government, the purpose of the Bill is to resolve the The strong safeguards are a recognition of the fact that the state and government would be that where no money has been deposited in the including land disputes. This will ensure that projects begin on
current problem of delayed implementation of infrastructure and big state-backed investors are likely to have more power than court. This leaves land owners vulnerable. time even where there is disagreement over compensation
investment projects due to disputes related to compulsory land individuals or communities who own land. The constitution not only A justification for ongoing abuse of property rights amounts.
acquisition. The Bill recognizes that the problem of delayed protects the responsibility of government to carry out its job of To amend Article 26 is to create a justification for government’s failure • Demand that government addresses corruption and speculation
government projects has caused significant financial loss to promoting investment, it also protects people from unfair exercise of to provide enough resources for courts and create functional land that are the real causes of delay in government projects.
government, amounting to millions of dollars in penalties paid to government power and guarantees their right to continue living on the tribunals to quickly and fairly handle land matters. It is also a Addressing corruption would mean less money is lost to
contractors for redundant machinery at project sites, as the courts land and earn a living from it until they are compensated fairly. The condonation of government’s failure to respect the constitution and to unscrupulous people and more is left for projects, including
attempt to resolve disputes. Specifically, the bill purports to: compensate people a fair amount for already ongoing projects. For compensation of displaced people. Further, speculation by insider
a) Enable Government, or a local government to deposit with court, example, the process of land acquisition for the oil refinery project in government people should be dealt with to ensure property prices
compensation awarded by the Government for any property do not go too high.
declared for compulsory acquisition;
b) Empower the Government or local government to take

For more information, please contact

OXFAM
Plot No. 3459, Tank Hill Road, Muyenga.
P.O. Box 6228, Kampala, Uganda
Tel: +256 414 390500, Fax: +256 414 510242

Oxfam in Uganda | @OxfaminUganda
E-mail: [email protected]
uganda.oxfam.org

46 OXFAM ANNUAL REPORT 2017 - 2018