To what extent has disarmament, demobilisation, reinsertion and reintegration (DDRR) programming in Uganda been integrated or co-ordinated with SSR, small arms control, transitional assistance, and long-term development programming? This case study finds that some attempts have been made to establish connections. However, substantive integration or co-ordination has been limited – primarily by the context of ongoing conflict and the fact that DDRR efforts have not taken place within a classic model of DDR.
The study examines DDRR activities that have taken place in Uganda since 2000 implemented by national agencies, primarily the Amnesty Commission, with support from international agencies. The Amnesty Commission has received most of its funding since 2005 from the Multi-Country Demobilisation and Reintegration Programme (MDRP). This multi-agency programme (financed by the World Bank and 13 other donors) undertook a Special Project in Uganda (January 2005 to June 2007). This aimed to assist 15,300 reporters in their reintegration into civilian life within the context of Uganda’s Amnesty Act of 2000, and to strengthen the capacity of the Amnesty Commission.
For each of the components of DDRR, there is some evidence to suggest that efforts have been made to establish links with SSR, SALW control, transitional assistance, and long-term development programming.
- MDRP discussed with the GoU the potential for linking demobilisation of reporters with the restructuring of the army. However, the ongoing conflict between the GoU and LRA, and the lack of progress towards substantive defence reform, contributed to the suspension of talks. Incentives for the GoU to undertake defence reform were limited by the strength of the army and the conflict in Acholi.
- Integration of disarmament with SALW control has been promoted through the inclusion of DDR within a component of the NAP and through attempts to strengthen links between the Amnesty Commission and the UPDF, and between the Amnesty Commission and the NFP.
- A proposal under discussion will seek to enhance the capacity of the Amnesty Commission to support reporters to access other transitional assistance and recovery programmes within the wider community.
- DDR has also been included as a priority on paper within development frameworks in Uganda.
Co-ordination and integration efforts have focused on connecting existing D, D, R & R processes, and do not reflect the creation of strong conceptual links at the design or planning phase. Further, they do not yet appear to have achieved substantive results in terms of integration or co-ordination at the practical, field level. Prospects for integration have been affected by:
- Limited transitional assistance and development programming in Northern Uganda: Development has been limited in the Acholi region by ongoing conflict, and in the West Nile by delayed strategy formation and by arguably inadequate focus on the West Nile in the PRDP strategy.
- The mandate of the Amnesty Commission: In terms of SALW control, for example, its role regarding disarmament is unclear and this component is in practice led by the UPDF. Lack of an overarching, ‘classic’ DDR programme: The elements of DDR have not been conceived of or implemented as a single programme. Thus the roles of specific agencies and how they should interact have not been detailed.
- Timing: The Amnesty Act was passed in 2000 and preceded the establishment of the MDRP programme, so detailed discussions between the GoU and MDRP while DDRR activities were being legislated were not possible.
- Capacity: Lack of funding, human capacity and expertise and physical infrastructure has hampered the work. For example, funding shortfalls and gaps have contributed to backlogs in the provision of reinsertion packages and delayed payment of staff salaries.
