Analysis of the contribution of northern Uganda social action funds (NUSAF) on the well-being of the people in Northern Uganda a case study of Laroo Sub-county Gulu District

Abstract

Nusaf is a world Bank-funded development project to boost the development of districts in the northern and some Eastern parts of Uganda that has been hit by war and cattle-rustling. The fund was initially divided into two phases. The first, worth $133m, started in 2003 and ended in 2009. The second phase worth $100m.But due to the success of the second phase, a third phase was initiated worth $130m which started off in May 2015. This research is based on analyzing the contribution of Nusaf on the well-being of the people most especially the disabled people and the poor locals in northern Uganda, Gulu District. A cross sectional study was conducted. A total of 95 individuals aged 20-60++ years who at least benefited from Nusaf activities whether directly or indirectly were proportionately selected from the four parish of Laroo sub-county using simple random sampling. The four parishes of Laroo includes Queens Avenue, Pece prisons, Iriaga and Agwee. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 16.0 and EpiData version 3.1. The study shows reduction in the number of households that live on one meal per day and staple foods and vegetables are the main source of food in the households. To some extent, the ability of individuals to meet the basic needs for their households has improved as well as access to income earning opportunities. Both NUSAF2 beneficiaries and community members are positive about the quality of the public works projects carried out in their community. Although the study notes limited involvement of PWDs in development programme of Nusaf, This does not only discriminate them but also has the potential to entrench them in abject poverty through denial of their fundamental human rights. Reduction in the number of households living on one meal per day; improvement in access of income earning Opportunities among individuals and ability to meet basic needs among households has also improved. Few people with disabilities are included in project’s activities Poverty-which is understood to have a case relationship with disability, has a far reaching impact on PWDs. Therefore as Nusaf reviews its safeguard policies, issues of disability need to be closely considered if Nusaf is to alleviate poverty and contribute positive effects on the lives of PWDs. This study thus recommends affirmative actions, as well as reasonable accommodation to enable PWDs enjoy full participation and benefit from Nusaf funded programmes.