Food as a human right during disasters in Uganda
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Date
2014
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Food Policy
Abstract
Natural and human induced disasters are a threat to food security, economic progress and livelihoods in
Uganda. However, we have limited knowledge regarding the putative role of the human rights dimension
to the impact and management of such tragedies. In this article we assessed the present policies, legislation
and institutional capabilities to ascertain whether they could assure the right to adequate food during
disaster situations in Uganda.
Using purposive sampling, 52 duty bearers working in institutions deemed relevant to food security,
nutrition and disaster management were interviewed using a semi-structured guide. Relevant provisions
from policy, legislation, institutional budgets and records of Parliament provided the context for analysis.
The most important concern coming from the analyses of the information retrieved were inadequate
preparedness mechanisms and capabilities. Whereas Uganda’s Constitution proclaims the right to adequate
food, and the need to establish a contingencies fund and commission responsible for disaster preparedness
and management, they had not been instituted. Implementation of relevant policies appeared
slow, especially with regard to assuring adequate relief food as a State obligation. Legislation to guarantee
funding and institutionalisation of necessary disaster preparedness and management capabilities was not
in place. An ambitious 5-year Uganda Nutrition Action Plan adopted in 2011 had not yet been funded by
mid-2013, implying a reality gap in nutrition programming. Budget architecture and financing to disaster
management have in effect fallen short of assuring adequate relief food as a human right.
Due to capacity constraints, an approach of humanitarian relief may be entrenched in contradiction of
State obligations to respect, protect and fulfil human rights. To stay ahead of the potential threats, the
Government with support of the Parliament and relevant partners need to enact legislation to appropriate
budget resources needed to institute a mechanism of capabilities to implement the constitutional and
policy provisions on the right to adequate food and disaster management.
Description
Keywords
Right to adequate food, Disaster management, Capabilities
Citation
Rukundo, P. M., Iversen, P. O., Oshaug, A., Omuajuanfo, L. R., Rukooko, B., Kikafunda, J., & Andreassen, B. A. (2014). Food as a human right during disasters in Uganda. Food Policy, 49, 312-322. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.foodpol.2014.09.009