United Nations
Development Programme

Plot 15B Clement Hill Road

P.O Box 7184

Kampala, Uganda

Tel: (256) 414-233440/1/2/5

Fax: (256) 414-344801

Email: registry.ug@undp.org

Background

Uganda has a landmine/unexploded ordnance (UXO) contamination problem resulting from successive conflicts over the past three decades. The most affected areas are the border regions with the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan, but there is also UXO contamination in the interior of the country - in Luwero district (also referred to as the 'Luwero Triangle'), the heart of the five-year protracted guerilla war from 1980-1985; the West Nile region; and the Rwenzori Mountains (Kasese, Bundibugyo and Kabarole districts).

UNDP’s support to the Government of Uganda in this area is through the National Mine Action Programme (NMAP). Mine Action is critical in the early recovery, safety and protection of the returning population, and the main goal of this support is to ensure safe and protected return of internally displaced persons and affected communities in Northern, North Eastern and Western Uganda from the threat of landmines and ERW, and to support the reintegration of landmine survivors into their communities through government programmes.

Development objectives

This project is aimed at identifying the extent and type of mine and UXO contamination in the conflict affected districts of Northern Uganda. The project will ultimately contribute to the creation of a secure environment in the most affected districts to ensure that the areas of return are mapped, marked and cleared of landmines and ERW.

Key activities & expected results

The project is expected to result in the eventual land release and facilitation of the safe return of IDPs, through the conducting of technical surveys, mine clearance, explosive ordnance disposal, quality assurance and quality control. So far, needs assessments have been conducted in Teso and Lango, and are ongoing in Acholi sub-region. A three-year ERW survey plan has also been developed.

UNDP TRAC Resources: USD 90,000