DRC-DDG / QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER

DRC-DDG / QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER #3 / 1 st Quarter 2013

A WORD FROM THE COUNTRY DIRECTOR / LILU THAPA Dear Team, Please join me in thanking our outgoing Country Director, Samuel Paunila, for the vision and leadership that he provided to DRC-DDG Uganda through the difficult time. We are where we are today because of him. In this New Year, we have started operation in Kyaka in partnership with UNHCR, and we are looking forward to further partnership with Women Refugee Committee; West Nile has been achieving quality work with DAR2, Livelihoods and Women in Africa programs; and Karamoja Team has been able to produce exemplary performance in both AVR and Livelihoods sectors. The program in Uganda is truly contributing towards DRC s global vision of becoming the leading humanitarian actor by 2015. A recent performance survey of NGOs doing humanitarian work done by the Global Journal has ranked DRC as the Number 1 humanitarian agency in the world. We all have contributed to this and I would like everyone to take a pat on the back for all the good work that has been put in. DRC-DDG Uganda has a three-year strategy in place for 2013-2015. The objective of DRC-DDG Uganda is to recreate safe environments conducive to pursuing quality of life for displaced and conflict-affected populations in Uganda. I would ask all of us to take a moment to look through the new country strategy and align our efforts towards achieving the objective that we have set for ourselves. Let us continue with the same spirit in the forthcoming days. Best wishes, Lilu 1

HIGHLIGHTS / WEST NILE The Danish ambassador to Uganda, Mr. Dan E. Frederiksen, visited Arua early this year to see the work of DRC in the DAR II programme. Mr. Frederiksen saw projects in Terego and Maracha and met with officials in Arua and Maracha districts who praised DRC for its good work in improving the lives of people in the area and also the transparency in implementation, ranking it as the number one NGO in the region. Beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the Ambassador for the Danish support to the people of Uganda and testified of how the project has improved on their livelihood. DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE FOR REFUGEE HOSTING AREAS OF WEST NILE (DAR II) A number of achievements have been registered in this first quarter with training of 1080 Project Management Committees in 15 sub counties in the districts of Arua, Maracha and Koboko in preparation for implementation of new projects that were selected. Other achievements include: More than 1,350,000 bricks have been laid in various construction projects Construction and maintenance of culverts, shallow wells and springs, woodlots and orchards Opening of 92 km of new community access roads, in addition to footballs pitches, cattle crushes, so-called VIP latrines, and market improvements Radio talk shows have continuously been held to inform and educate beneficiaries on progress of activities A woman constructing energy saving stoves UNHCR GENDER AND LIVELIHOODS The livelihoods project in West Nile saw 15 students sponsored in Moyo Vocational Technical Institute complete their training in brick laying and concrete practice, tailoring, and carpentry. The students were awarded certificates and given start-up tools by DRC for practice and income generation. In an effort to improve sanitation, 228 pit latrines have been dug, 172 drying rakes constructed, 140 bathing shelters built, 1 hand washing facility constructed, 142 rubbish pits dug and 46 animal shelters constructed. To improve energy conservation, an additional 119 energy saving stoves were constructed and households using the stoves have reported reduction in the use of wood fuel by about 50%. 2

Other activities implemented include: Installation of WFP donated hummer mills Monitored the performance of livestock given to new arrivals; 11 lambs and 7 kids were born and the offspring are thriving in good health while over 18 more livestock are expectant. The piggery projects in Adjumani district are also doing well A total of 3,171 kg of seeds have been accumulated and stored safely for replanting Monitored construction of maize cribs by the assisted farmer groups Under the Women in Africa project, literacy and numeracy training is being conducted for 28 groups of women (23 in Arua and 5 in Maracha) at 15 different learning centers and is progressing well. The trainings aim to provide the students with basic skills such as counting, reading receipts, legal requirements, and listing stocks to help them further their business careers. Some remarkable achievements by DRC beneficiaries in West Nile The Nyekorach Farmer Field School in Kiryandongo boasts of total savings of 2,004,400 UGX. 700,000 of these are personal weekly savings while 974,400 are income from sale of maize and 310,000 from sale of beans. The group has been advised to transfer the money to a bank for safety. 1 group of new arrivals in Adjumani that was equipped with inputs to start a small bakery has been able to generate 50,000 UGX from the first sale of their products within the settlement. In the Rhino Camp settlement, groups were supported to start small businesses and they have so far raised a total of 45,000 UGX from hair dressing and 215,000 UGX from a small bakery. 11 farmer groups who cultivated a total of 95 acres of land with beans, maize, rice and groundnuts have made a total income of 18,622,000 UGX from sale of 30,169 kg of their crops. 3

HIGHLIGHTS / KARAMOJA Community regular meeting between community members, police, UPDF and authorities ARMED VIOLENCE REDUCTION As DRC-DDG interventions carry on, community entry and subsequent advocacy workshop have been held with local leaders with the aim of getting a declaration of support and to understand the challenges in each community. 15 Community safety committee members have been trained in community mobilization; fundraising and proposal writing to enable them to implement the plans in their communities. DRC-DDG facilitated a peace dialogue meeting between the communities of Lokopo in Napak district and Nyakwae in Abim district to settle a dispute. The background for the conflict was the fertile area of Kakoriyang which has been the subject of an settlement where the three closest communities would share the land for grazing and cultivation. This fertile land is highly coveted and some people had not respected the agreed boundaries and this led to conflict. Several issues were raised at the meeting, including allegations that a land committee formed sometime back had started selling the land to unknown people from Teso; and rumors that some local authorities were trying to use the fertile land for a personal cattle ranch, which later resulted in the arrest of some leaders from Teso. In the end, the parties promised to respect the existing agreement and arranged for a follow-up meeting to reassess the situation. Other achievements include: Conflict Management Education (CME) sessions conducted in 21 communities for a total of 420 participants, as well as for 140 police officers and members of the UPDF, and 45 community safety committee members Monthly regular meetings were held in 13 sub-counties of Karamoja. At these meetings local men, women and youth meet with police officers, UPDF and local authorities (LCs) to improve relations between the parties and sort out any problems in a peaceful manner. A total of 38 meetings were held in the first three months of the year. With the aim of reducing the negative impact of small arms in the communities, 33 drama sessions were conducted by the DRC-DDG teams in the respective sub-counties and at village level to create awareness on the dangers of owning harmful weapons such as guns and rifles. 4

NORTHERN UGANDA SOCIAL ACTION FUND (NUSAF2) After a challenging start to the project, which DRC took over from other implementing partners, the staff has worked tirelessly to ensure that implementation of NUSAF2 is carried out successfully. Many positive results have been registered so far, especially for clusters producing and selling vegetables; their livelihoods have greatly improved with more income generated and improved nutrition at household level. DRC-DDG staff has identified and budgeted for 270 sub-projects across 135 clusters of people, to be carried out during 2013 in all of the NUSAF2 areas of operation, most of which are related to income generation and public works. A project that has garnered much positive attention lately is the growing of mushrooms for both local consumption and sale at markets. In January, an external consultant supported DRC-DDG staff to deliver training on the practical construction of mushroom houses, preparation of planting material, and marketing to a total of 40 beneficiaries spread over 8 clusters who had themselves chosen this project. The mushrooms grow quickly and are considered a delicacy that sells out quickly but until now, people in Karamoja have only found them scattered in nature. Nakeno Margret, 29, is one of the women involved in the project: It was our first time to know that mushrooms can also be grown locally. It has created a balanced diet for my family since I can save a little money from the sales and buy some mushrooms for my family. The project has also improved my family s relationship with our neighbours since we work together as a group and this has given us a team spirit, says Margret. Other groups in target communities chose agricultural projects and were given hand water sprayers and pesticides accompanied by onsite training to improve the result of crop production of e.g. tomatoes, egg plants, spinach, cabbage and onions. Tree nurseries are also being prepared with seeds, soil and manure. Planting vegetables Other achievements in NUSAF2 include: 16 grinding mills have been set up to allow processing of maize, sorghum and cassava flour for sale at markets, along with 6 grinding mills especially for making groundnut paste Construction of cereal banks completed. These are used to store the harvest for dry seasons and to use as seeds for the next cycle 5

10 clusters chose beekeeping as an income generating activity. Selected beneficiaries were trained in how to keep beehives that will result in honey to be sold. With support from DRC-DDG staff, they will act as trainers for others to spread the knowledge of beekeeping in the communities. 500 beehives have been set up and are awaiting their buzzing new inhabitants in Nadunget and Loputuk sub-counties of Moroto District In Nachuka, a poultry house is being constructed. This will allow for larger production of eggs and more effective breeding of poultry Monitoring of PWPs is ongoing from both the technical staff (agronomist and engineer) and field officers (team leaders and field supervisors). Regular monitoring field visits have been conducted at all levels, meanwhile the teams continued to sensitize the communities on project sustainability. A few weeks worth of savings by one youth group in Moroto MICRO CREDIT PROJECT The micro credit programme in Karamoja has been a great success in the first pilot project which included Moroto and Napak districts. 100 women and 100 young men have been accepted and formed savings groups of 10 people each. Many of the youth are reformed warriors who have changed their ways and they express gratitude for being given this chance to redeem themselves and show that they can make their dreams come true. The groups save their own money and the amount is topped up by DRC-DDG after an agreed period. The money is then put in a bank account that can only be accessed if several members show up together. The savings will be used to fund the group members business projects when approved by the whole group and the loan will be paid back once the initial investment has been returned. As part of the programme, group members receive basic literacy and numeracy training to enable them to keep checks and balances and start up their own small businesses. The turnout for these lessons is fair with attendance between 25 and 40 for each lesson. 6

HIGHLIGHTS / KYAKA KYAKA II Multi Sectoral Programme Since early this year, DRC-DDG has extended its interventions in Uganda to include the Kyaka II refugee settlement located in the South Western region of the country. This is a multi-sectoral programme funded by UNHCR. The sub-projects that are being implemented include protection, water and sanitation, community development, and livelihoods. To get the projects off to a good start, a number of meetings have been organized with the communities and local leaders to sensitize them on the activities carried out by DRC-DDG within the settlement. A sensitization meeting was held with the community in Byabakora IV on the importance of engaging in activities that promote self-reliance and community participation in maintenance of community resources such as roads. An Interagency Camp Level Coordination meeting was also held and updates given on various implementations from partners, clearly noting major challenges that require joint action or specific follow up. The Kyaka II programme has only just started but a few of the initial activities include: 11 SGBV cases handled 7 children with protection risks identified Repair and replacement of water taps Water testing and treatment for sources not viable for use Excavation of waste pits and pit latrines in four homesteads Non-food items distributed to 35 asylum seekers 7

PERSONAL STORY / SAFETY, SECURITY AND HOPE TO THE TEPETH Lomamtal Nakemer (left) performing in a drama on the dangers of using weapons. By Robert Owiny, DRC-DDG Karamoja With more than 60% of disabilities and death cases caused by use of small arms and light weapons in their area, Tepeth communities in Karamoja, North Eastern Uganda, are positive and supportive of interventions aimed at improving this situation. According to Sisto Lokiru, Sub-County Internal Security Officer in Tapac, the number of deaths resulting from use of firearms among the Tepeth is greatly reduced due to interventions initiated a year ago by DRC-DDG through the Armed Violence Reduction project in the area. Fights and threats of small arms have reduced from the time DRC-DDG started engaging communities on peaceful conflict solving mechanisms and the village-wise drama groups have equally done a lot in terms of sensitizing and educating our people Lokiru says. Lokiru observes that in the year 2010 alone, 10 people died and two got disabled as a result of domestic fights involving weapons. In 2011, five similar deaths were reported, but since the beginning of 2012, only a few cases of injuries have been reported, a sign of the impact of the AVR project according Lokiru. Culturally, the Tepeth, like other Karimojong clans, used sticks, spears, bows and arrows to settle disputes in their homesteads. Unfortunately, such engagements would ultimately result in perilous injuries and loss of lives. Moreover, the illegal possession of firearms such as AK47 rifles even worsened the situation. Other deaths would come from road ambushes and clashes during animal raids with neighbouring Matheniko and Turkana warriors from Kenya. In October 2011, DRC-DDG started the implementation of the AVR project in this Sub-County with the aim of reducing the violent incidents resulting from use of small arms and light weapons, as well as to reduce its spill-over effect on neighbouring communities. DRC-DDG has since then worked directly with communities to sensitize them on the dangers of small arms. Lomamtal Nakemer (pictured), an elder from Napakakimul village in Tapac Sub-County, describes the present situation as getting friendly and free. He says that even before the arrival of guns, people lost lives as a result of the use of spears and other weapons to battle over animals. After the educative drama he and the drama group formed through DRC-DDG, old Lomamtal cannot wait to show the audience the marks of injuries he suffered during a battle he fought using a spear. As he joins the drama group to show how painful the spear can kill, he is thankful for the awareness these plays have helped spread. COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS FOR THE NEWSLETTER CAN BE SENT TO: Annet Ajidiru / Information Management Assistant / annet.ajidiru@drc-ddg.org William Vest-Lillesøe / Communications Officer / communications@ddghoa.org 8