Military and disaster management in Uganda, a case of Uganda people’s defense forces in Bududa district

Abstract

The study was about the effectiveness of Military in disaster management in Uganda, particularly in Bududa District. And guided by the following sub-themes; the capacity of the military in disaster management and response operations in Bududa district, the response approaches of the military in disaster management operations in Budada district and the recovery strategies used by the military in disaster management and response operations in Bududa District. Data was obtained from 120 respondents using qualitative approach and tools, namely interview guide, focused group discussions and documentary review. The study revealed that the UPDF is a key player in disaster management operations in Uganda, deriving its mandate to do so from the National Policy for Disaster Preparedness and Management as a national cross-sectoral policy of Uganda and the 2005 UPDF Act which states that among the functions of the Defense Forces including the preservation and defense of the sovereignty and interior integrity of Uganda, the armed forces in Section 7 (b), obliged to cooperate with civilian authority in emergency situations in cases of natural disasters in order to foster harmony and understanding between the Defense Forces and civilians in disaster management and responses services with the aim of alleviating human suffering in Uganda. The UPDF builds the capabilities for situational awareness to disaster risks in the area. The study recommends that the armed forces should be given a wider mandate in disaster preparedness and response, because they can provide a standing, personnel, logistical and planning capability in the fastest time possible; humanitarian civil military training should be expanded through greater partnerships, especially with academic institutions and NGOs/CSOs where professionals can be trained not only on the guidelines and practice of humanitarian civil military engagement but on the critical methods required in combined disaster preparedness, and there is need to take assistance of Armed Forces to deal with disaster situations effectively.