'Ugandans pray for end to 20 year terror as appalling camp conditions persist' says MP

5.35.19pm UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 15th Sep 2006

Appalling conditions persist in camps in Northern Uganda where the people who have endured a 20 year terror campaign are beginning to dare to hope they might at last return to their lands, according to Liberal Democrat MP Malcolm Bruce. The Chair of the International Development Committee has just returned from a five day visit to Uganda - his second this year.

In a letter to International Development Secretary, Hilary Benn, Mr Bruce says peace talks in Juba, Sudan are proceeding fast but there are a number of sensitive and complicated issues to resolve. Previous talks have broken down with a return to violence.

Nevertheless Mr Bruce concludes that this is the best chance of peace for 20 years. He urges the international community, led by the UK, to do everything possible to ensure a lasting peace.

Following the trip, organised by Oxfam, the MP reports that the camps suffer from severe overcrowding, and only recently was an outbreak of cholera contained. People are also surviving with a minimum provision of food and clean water.

Mr Bruce recommends that the $200 million going into the north for humanitarian relief for displaced persons in the camps should be diverted towards development in the event of a peace dividend that allows people to return.

Commenting on future international funding Malcolm Bruce said:

"Returnees will need help to restore roads and to rebuild their homes and communities. They will also need assistance with food until they can harvest their own, and with the provision of clean water.

"If peace is agreed the dividend must be secured and the international community must ensure that funds reach those people in need and are not diverted away from the north.

Hilary Benn has already cut direct budget support because of corruption and there is a danger, without appropriate measures, that funds intended for reconstruction could go to the south of Uganda. This is reinforced by the fact that the north voted for the opposition. Northerners must not be punished for this and donors must therefore ensure that funds reach them."

ENDS