relatively smaller and less frequent problem of targeting relief for drought related and  flood 

related  food crises.  In the context of concerns that vulnerability to food crises triggered by such

natural shocks is rising,  preparedness for future relief needs should include a review of

information systems for the detection and assessment of problems;  implementation capacity; and

specific policy guidelines for government and partner organizations on the use, limitation and

targeting of food aid.

With regard to information systems,  Uganda does not need a national level EWS: instead, a more

decentralized and selective approach is suggested. The study team did not spend enough time in

Uganda to make detailed recommendations on feasible institutional  or funding arrangements for

such an approach, but it is 

RECOMMENDED that the viability of establishing an early warning

17

/ needs assessment capacity within the government structure of selected vulnerable

Districts be explored

.  FEWS would be the agency best able to consult and advise on this, and

could continue to play its current role of central technical co ordinator of food security information,

in the absence of a counterpart government EWS.  Liaison with the DDM at national level will also

be important.

Given the critical role of assessment missions in determining planning figures for relief  needs,  it is

RECOMMENDED that FEWS also work with partner agencies to establish a framework and

18

procedure for such assessments in the future, ensuring the best use is made of available

baseline data, monitoring information, and prior reports

  (see Chapter 2 for general

discussion).

It is also 

 RECOMMENDED that institutional links and responsibilities regarding food aid

19

should be clarified  between the Department of Disaster Management in the PMO's office,

the recently created post of Minister for Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, and

authorities at the District level

 (where relief is still under the Office of Labor and Social Welfare).

At the District level,  the District Drought Management Committees played a central role in the

drought and flood relief operations in Eastern Uganda,  but were severely hampered by lack of

additional resources for relief management, and did not have clear Terms of Reference for this

role. It is therefore 

RECOMMENDED that  Terms of Reference for the DDMCs be developed

20

(in line with the policy and institutional guidelines once these are specified),  and that  in

any future food aid distributions donors should consider attaching funds for additional

expert staff or other management resources as appropriate

.

Lastly, it is 

RECOMMENDED that the GoU develop policy guidelines on the use and targeting

21

of food aid as a supplement to its general review of disaster preparedness

.  As noted in the

Tanzania Chapter, this  recommendation applies to all three countries and could usefully be

discussed at regional level within EAC.

A 28