Poverty Eradication Action Plan (2004-2008).

The Poverty Eradication Action Plan (PEAP) provides an over-arching framework to guide public action to eradicate poverty. It has been prepared through a consultative process involving central and local Government, Parliament, Donors and Civil Society. In order to achieve middle-income status, Uganda needs to industrialise by enhancing its competitiveness. Industrialisation in Uganda will depend on using the resource base and hence on equipping farmers to understand the technical and quality requirements of commercial production. Government will therefore ensure the provision of public goods to support both agriculture and industry. In order to reverse the recent marked increase in inequality, Government will aim to increase the ability of the poorer households to participate in economic growth through self-employment inside and outside agriculture and wage employment. Gender issues arise under all pillars. In particular, the importance of addressing intra-household relations for agricultural productivity is emphasised. Discriminatory legislation is to be reviewed and reformed. The pattern of usage of services by gender is examined in various sectors. The shortage of fuelwood and its effect on women’s time use is strongly emphasised, as is the need for coordination between forestry and energy policy in addressing it. Women’s land rights need to be strengthened. Domestic violence is recognised as a problem and actions are being taken to reduce it.
Four core challenges for the PEAP are: a) the restoration of security, dealing with the consequences of conflict and improving regional equity b) restoring sustainable growth in the incomes of the poor c) human development d) using public resources transparently and efficiently to eradicate poverty. The PEAP is grouped under five pillars: 1. Economic management; 2. Enhancing production, competitiveness and incomes; 3. Security, conflict-resolution and disaster-management; 4. Good governance; and 5. Human development. Pillar 2 establishes that within the environment and natural resource sector, water resource management, forestry and land reform are major priorities. Public action is required to stem the decline in Uganda’s forest cover. Strengthening the property rights of poor farmers is also important if these farmers are to undertake the necessary investments to raise their productivity and incomes.
Pillar 3: Security, conflict-resolution and disaster management establishes that the Government will strengthen disaster preparedness, using the successful experience of the El Nino rains in 2002, where the population was effectively protected. Central Government will promote awareness of the risks and recommend actions to local governments. The most severe disaster requiring response is internal displacement. While humanitarian aid is treated off-budget, Government will continue to coordinate the response. Government will consider allocating funds more flexibly to distressed districts and will involve IDPs actively in planning and monitoring conditions in the camps, ensuring adequate attention to sanitation in particular.
Pillar 4: Good Governance.The Constitutional Review Commission delivered its report to Government. A White Paper has accordingly been prepared and is now before Parliament. While the system of Government that has prevailed since 1986 has enabled considerable progress with democratisation, it is now expected that future elections will be held under the multi-party system. Government will seek a national consensus in good time. Enabling laws will be strengthened to discourage malpractices and enacted in good time. Parliament’s role in the budget process has been strengthened; the executive branch is now obliged to share budget proposals with Parliament well in advance. Government is committed to maintaining high standards of human rights. The Human Rights Commission reports regularly both on positive achievements and challenges; Government will act to prevent any violations identified by UHRC from continuing.