Years of armed conflict in Northern Uganda between the Lord's Resistance Army and the government of Uganda drove people from their homes, into camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs). Following the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement of August 2006, an ever-increasing number of people have returned (or have begun the process of returning) to their villages of origin. Thousands of others are still living in camps for the displaced, but enjoy increased access to arable land.

The ICRC has been present in Uganda since 1979. In northern Uganda, it assists about 500,000 IDPs, facilitating the return to their areas of origin. In particular, the ICRC strives to reinforce the economic security of the population that remains vulnerable and supports the efforts of the health and water authorities to upgrade basic services. The ICRC is liaising closely with other humanitarian and development agencies to avoid duplication of services.

Throughout the country, including Karamoja region in the northeast, the ICRC maintains a dialogue with the relevant authorities concerning respect for the civilian population and persons deprived of liberty. The ICRC continues to develop the capacity of the Uganda Red Cross Society to address needs in re-establishing family links throughout Uganda and neighbouring countries for those separated by armed conflict. The ICRC also promotes the teaching of international humanitarian law to police and armed forces, as well as to university students.


Presence (2009): 260 staff, including 27 expatriates