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Our first Annual General Meeting (Full Report)

Plot 90 Kanjokya Street, Kamwokya, P O Box 40058 | Tel: + 256 312106984 / +256 77 2359796 |
Email: support@uganda-survivors.org | Web: www.uganda-survivors.org

FIRST ANNUAL NATIONAL MEETING OF
UGANDA LANDMINE SURVIVORS ASSOCIATION
(ULSA)

7TH -9TH JULY 2009

HOTEL AFRICANA – KAMPALA
UGANDA

Acknowledgement:

Uganda Landmine survivors Association (ULSA) expresses their sincere appreciation to all who attended and participated in its First Annual National Meeting.

Special thanks go to our donor, Association of Aid and Relief (AAR) Japan without whose support we could not have held the meeting.

We appreciate the financial contribution and others in kind from the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development (Disability and Elderly) especially Commissioner for Disability and Elderly, Herbert Baryahebwa, Ms Beatrice Kaggya Victim Assistance Focal Person and Ms Elina Dibrova, Victim Assistance Technical Adviser for all the invaluable support

We extend our thanks to the Diplomatic Misssion, Japan Embassy for gracing our occasion, Disability Fraternity, Institutions, INGOs, Mine Action Centre, Ministry of Health and the Danish Demining Group and individuals who have in one way or another committed their time and resources to attend our First Annual National Meeting.

In a special way ULSA is grateful to ICBL for their continued support especially to their Ambassador Margaret Arach Orech by providing office space which is partially used to carry out Uganda Landmine Survivors Association (ULSA) activities.

In the same breath thanks goes to Dan Church Aid who provided office space for ULSA from 2005 till October 2008.

I cannot forget the tremendous support from Mine Action Canada who has for the last five years since 2005 supported ULSA with vibrant Young Professions by providing support staff through the Internship Program. The young professionals actually were the only support staff that ULSA has had besides a couple of volunteers.

We acknowledge the contribution of Mathew Campbell for his input in the proposal writing for the Annual Meeting.

We are grateful to the Government of Uganda who have endeavoured to make their presence felt at the meeting through the Office of the Prime Minister, Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Ministry of Health and the Mine Action Centre and to the Uganda People’s Defence Force for allowing the UPDF survivors interact with us!

To all resource persons, we salute you for your contributions that made the National Meeting a great success.
Finally the delegates for their active contributions and deliberations on the mechanisms to build a strong ULSA that will serve to address the issues of Land mine survivors in Uganda.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Acknowledgement ………………………………………………………………… . 2
Introduction………………………………………………………………………… 4
Brief about ULSA ……………………………………………………………….. …5
Opening Ceremony…………………………………………………………………. 8
Review of the Constitution………………………………………………………… 17
Sharing Experiences by Survivor Groups………………………………………… 22
Election of the Executive…………………………………………………………… 36
Inauguration of the Executive and Closing ………………………………………..40
Appendices…………………………………………………………………………….42
i. Acronyms
ii. Programme of the General Assembly
iii. List of delegates and Participants
iv. Constitution (Amended Version)
v. T- Shirt

1. Introduction and Opening Remarks by ULSA Director

The In her opening speech, Margaret Orech, ULSA Director welcomed all the guests and participants and media houses to its First Annual National Meeting of the Uganda Landmine Survivors Association (ULSA) . This was followed by introduction of all the survivors and other participants. After which she gave a brief introduction to ULSA.

She mention that it has been a very long way getting here after many persistent attempts to convene the national meeting, since ULSA‘s inception in 2005. But it has now become a reality thanks to the support from Association of Aid and Relief (AAR) Japan for making this day possible. This collaboration was born from being coalition members of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines who AAR Japan and ULSA are members, and whose aim among others is to ease the sufferings caused by landmines, explosive remnants of war as well as Cluster Munitions.

The Guest of Honour, Hon. Sulaiman Madada, Minister of State for Disability and Elderly was represented by the Commissioner for Disability and Elderly, Mr. Herbet Baryahebwa. Hon. William Nokrach, Member of Parliament representing Persons with Disabilities for Northern Uganda and Major General Julias Oketta of the Office of the Prime Minister and Ms Mariko Aoki sat with the Chief Guest.

Japan Embassy was represented by Ms Eri Ogawa. Notable amongst government ministries present were: officials from the Office of the Prime Minister, Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Mine Action Centre and Ministry of Health.
Mine Action Operators included AVSI, Danish Deminig Group and a Consultant with the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining.
The National Union for Disabled Persons of Uganda (NUDIPU) and the National Council for Disability (NCD) were the top DPOs at the meeting.

Four survivors each were drawn from 10 of the affected districts from North and Western Uganda. They came from the districts Amuru, Apac, Gulu, Kasese, Kitgum, Lira, Oyam, Pader and Yumbe. Kasese War Widows Network represented the victims. Survivor groups from other mine affected districts that have not come will be brought on board later as they are formed.

The Uganda Peoples Defence Force and Police were represented by three survivors.

The two days meet will give the survivors a forum to articulate issues affecting them and give them a chance to interact and discuss with government as well as other Mine Action Operators, Review and amend ULSA Constitution and finally elect a Board of Directors who will be entrusted with overseeing and directing ULSA. The new Board of Directors will then be inaugurated by the Hon. William Nokrach, MP Representative for Persons with Disabilities, Northern Uganda.

Survivors were encouraged to give interviews with the media houses present these included: Uganda Broadcasting Corporation, NTV, Monitor, New Vision, KFM, WBS, amongst others.

L to R Major General Julius Oketta, Commissioner Herbet Baryahebwa, Mariko Aoki and
Hon. William Nokrach MP for PWDs, Northern at the Opening Ceremony

2. Brief Background of Uganda Landmine Survivors Association (ULSA)

The Uganda Landmine Survivors Association (ULSA) was established in April 2005 as a National organization for Landmine survivors. It is registered with the NGO board. ULSA membership is derived from landmine survivor groups in Uganda.

The idea of starting a national association for landmine survivors was conceived three years later after I had successfully undergone rehabilitation and after graduating from “Raising the Voices”, an Advocacy Training Program for Landmine Survivors and Persons with Disabilities, organized by the International Campaign to Ban Landmines in Geneva in 2002. Equipped with the basic tools for advocacy and lobbying, I set out on the long journey to advocate for better assistance to landmine survivors in Uganda, the Region and indeed the entire world.

ULSA first started its work at home and later Dan Church aid provided ULSA with office space from 2005 until October 2008.
For the past five years ULSA has been getting support staff from Mine Action Canada, a member of ICBL. This year, however, there are plans to recruit an intern in country supported by Mine Action Canada. Persons with Disabilities and youth interested in developing a career in Mine Action are urged to visit ULSA office for more details.

Currently ULSA operates from an ICBL offices provided for the Director who is the Ambassador of ICBL.

3. ULSA Activities

Since inception, ULSA has engaged mostly in the following areas.

• Advocacy on Landmine and Cluster Munitions
• Mobilization of survivor groups
• Capacity Building
• Leadership and Advocacy training
• Peer support
• Fostering of socio-economic integration

The Director pointed out that she took the challenge of forming this Association after she got involved in a landmine incident on the Kitgum –Gulu road in December 1998 that took of f part of her right leg. After a rather difficult year of rehabilitation and basing on the experiences encountered along the way, she realised the need for a body that would give survivors a platform to raise their voices and advocate for their rights.

The objectives of this National Annual Meeting General Meeting are to formally establish a National Organization representing all the survivors and victims of Explosive Remnants of War as well as Cluster Munitions survivors in Uganda where applicable. The process involves:

• Reviewing and amendment of the current ULSA Constitution.
• Election of the Executive Committee Members.
• Plan the way forward in terms of ULSA’s activities and victim assistance.

ULSA recognised and appreciated the government‘s effort to mitigate the sufferings caused to the survivors and the establishment of a Victim assistance program within the Ministry of the Gender Labour and Social Development, where Disability related issues are addressed.

She pointed out that while the peer groups of landmine survivors have been established in mine affected districts like Kasese and Gulu among others but what has being lacking is a body able to represent the needs of the survivors at the National level ,as indicated within the Ugandan Government’s 2007 Comprehensive Plan on Victim Assistance.
A national body would also work to coordinate and collaborate with the district- level associations, helping to provide meaningful assistance to survivors while ensuring survivors are represented in the project development process and policy level.

As survivors, we are part and parcel of the disability fraternity and have made our request to NUDIPU to this effect for membership to enable us work under the umbrella of the National Union for Disabled Persons of Uganda. However ULSA did not meet NUDIPU’s criteria for membership as it does not operate in all the districts of Uganda. This is because, thankfully, not all the districts of Uganda are affected by landmines and ERWs hence we are still hopeful of becoming a member of NUDIPU.

The Director on Behalf of ULSA extended her appreciation to the various stakeholders that have helped in re-shaping, rehabilitating, encouraging and supporting Survivors through the difficult periods they underwent or are still going through as a result of the injuries sustained.

Mariko Aoki (AAR Japan), Elin Dibrova (DDG) and Steve Harknet (GICHD)
at the session

We also recognize the efforts of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines, GICHD, AVSI and CPAR, World Vision as well as Ministry of Health, our Mother Ministry of Gender Labour and Social Development and the Mine Action Centre for their tireless effort in ensuring that our numbers do not rise.
She further thanked the Donors who have been very supportive of the Victim Assistance programs such as Austrian Development Corporation, Norwegian Government and the Japan Government for their commitment to Victim Assistance.

She later extended her gratitude to the Government of Uganda for signing and ratifying the mine Ban Treaty and the UNCRPD. Now that you have signed the Convention on Cluster Munitions, please take the next step to ratify because all these three international instruments are interlinked to Victims Assistance. its implementation will change our lives for the better.

OPENING SPEECHES

i) Representative AAR Japan – Ms Mariko Aoki

The AAR Representative first thanked and welcomed the members present and on a special note congratulated ULSA for making it to its first National Annual Meeting

She however commended the Government of Uganda for the support they are extending to the survivors especially the Victim Assistance components.

She said AAR has participated in several meetings of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines and found that AAR and ULSA shared the same mission hence the two developed strong links and support for each other. As a result of the common interest AAR Japan is able to fund ULSA’s National Annual Meeting which will enable them to operate better.

ii) Representative, National Council for Disability - Mr.Julius Kamya

Mr Kamya welcomed all present and extended a warm welcome to the survivors with both sorrow and joy saying he would wish disability not to increase but he welcome those who have joined the group.

He pointed out that disability movement is ready to work with the landmine survivors and are waiting for the outcome of the National Annual Meeting.
He mentioned that disability issues have now moved away from charity model to human rights issues and development.

Mr Kamya, said most parts of the country is not covered in raising disability issues and urged all players and stake holders to work hand in hand to advocate for the rights of the disabled persons.

He encouraged the survivors to productively contribute to the income of the family by involving in income generating activities and making hand crafts.

To conclude, he urged the survivors to work hard and lobby for more assistance in the entire affected districts.

iii) Representative, Uganda People’s Defence Force Office of the Prime Minister -
Major General Julius Oketta MP

He thanked ULSA director for organizing the Annual National Meeting and welcomed all members present and congratulated the survivors who have turned up from different parts of Uganda for the meeting.

Major General Julius Oketta delivering his speech

He mentioned that he is attending the meeting in two capacities: as a Member of Parliament for the UPDF and as the Director National Emergency Centre which is a component of Mine Action Centre under the Office of the Prime Minister.
He singled out the success of their activities in the past years within the affected districts in Northern Uganda especially in Gulu, Pader, Amuru and Kitgum and said demining activities have being going on in the past years and with the help of the community this has being made simple. About 80% of the affected land in northern Uganda has been cleared and handed over for use to the local communities. He said his team will soon move to other affected areas like Kasese to carry out the demining processes.

Victims Assistance programme has also being going on although it has not covered all the districts. This is being done through local government structure.
Mine Risk Education has also been carried out in the communities hence there are now reduced cases of new occurrences.

He also called upon National Union for Disabled Persons in Uganda NUDIPU to register ULSA for easy lobbying and urged survivors, communities and the government to spare time for the following important activities:
• Lobbying.
• Provision of tangible economic activities such as poultry keeping, vocational training, and income generating activities among others.
• Counselling services for the survivors and to
• Address the physiological and social problems of survivors among others

On the ratification of the Cluster Munitions Convention, he said this would be a victory to the landmine survivors and that process to achieve this was underway. He
He further extended his gratitude to UNDP and AVSI for their overwhelming support in Mine Action.

iv) Representative, National Union of Disabled Persons in Uganda (NUDIPU).
James Kinobe, Chairman.

The chairman congratulated the ULSA director for organising the National Annual Meeting and encouraged participants to voice all their need to the stakeholders and the Government in this forum.

He then mentioned that ULSA could register under NUDIPU but the only limitation was that the survivors are not in all the districts of Uganda and yet by policy for any Association to be part of NUDIPU it should cover all the districts of Uganda hence ULSA still has a long way to register under NUDIPU unless the policies are revised in the nearest future.

He pointed out that although disability is not inability there are still a lot of things that a disabled person cannot do without the help of an able person he gave an example of himself that he would wish to drive himself but because he could not see his wishes will never come true.
However he encouraged the survivors to build self confidence in what ever they are doing and be part of the bigger community.

v) Representative of MPs – Disability: Hon William Nockrach MP for Northern
Uganda Disability

Hon Nokrach began by welcoming all the invited guests and introduced himself and congratulated the organizers of ULSA’s National Annual Meeting while commending the participants for turning up in large numbers.

He felt obliged to be with the survivors and pledge his full support for the survivors in one way or the other. He pointed out that he come from one of the most affected districts in northern Uganda and informed members in participants that in his opinion there should be no more wars so that disabilities caused by war weapons such as landmines and small weapons are no more. He emphasised that disabilities caused by such incidences are more traumatizing because it comes to peoples lives accidentally and is not part of the journey to their lives.

However he encouraged the survivors to look at life positively and forge the way forward and argue the soldiers to be treated fairly at their places of residence.

Hon. Nokrach said: “A landmines is a very dangerous and obedient weapon that follows the master’s instruction strictly and has a very long life span of over 75 years until it comes into conduct with an object such as human beings or animals that it injures, incapacitate o kills”

The most affected people in the community are women and children because in our communities these are the section of people who look for survival for the family especially through farming.

Hon Nokrach recognised the efforts of those who have worked tirelessly to improve the mine affected areas in one way or another and thanked Major General Oketta for spearheading the Demining Activities which has been very successful over the years. He thanked the development partners like AVSI and World Vision for proving the social support and argued them to do a little bit more.

He also gave a vote of thanks to the Ministry of Labour Gender and Social Development for joining the new era of disability he assured the members that the Ministry can provide help for the Landmine Survivors even without donor support.

The Hon Member of Parliament highlighted on the major areas that still need to be addressed to improve the lives of the landmine survivors such as:

• Lobbying.

• Capacity Building.

• Social counselling.

• Providing Artificial Limbs and its appliances

• Confidence building i.e. by organising disco dance for the survivors

In his concluding remarks, he asked the participants to elect very competent people who can properly lobby and voice out their needs to the government and development partners he also argue ULSA to organise such meetings often for the participants because this enhances their social participation. He then welcomed and introduced the Guest of Honour.

Speech by Herbert Baryahebwa Commissioner for Disability and Elderly, Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development on behalf of Minister of State for Disability and Elderly Hon Sulaiman K. Madada

Commissioner Herbet Baryahebwa welcomed all the participants and congratulated ULSA the achievement in holding its annual meeting and applauded AAR Japan for supporting the Annual National Meeting of ULSA.

He apologised on behalf of the Minister who was unable to make it at the meeting due to an official engagement and however sent his greetings to all the participants.

Commissioner for Disability and Elderly, Herbet Baryahebwa

The Commissioner, highlighted commitments undertaken by the government of Uganda in advancing Victim Assistance in line with the Mine Ban Treaty through the Comprehensive Plan on Landmine Victims Assistance 2008-2012 which focus on the following thematic areas:

• Conducting baseline survey for Data
• Understanding of the extent of the Challenge.
• Emergency and continuing medical care.
• Physical rehabilitation.
• Psychological and peer support
• Social and economic reintegration/ inclusion
• Law and public policies

He mentioned that AVSI and World Vision has given assistance to survivors in Northern Uganda most especially the in the area of income generation and vocational training.

Other stakeholders include District Local Government, NGOs and CBO who have carried out capacity building and advocacy programmes to the survivors using the bottom- up approach. Survivors have had the opportunities to give their own views while discussing issues that concern them appropriately. In light of this, he applauded the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social development for embracing the disability issues and wished all participants good deliberations and declared the meeting opened.

vi) Director – Mine Action Centre, Mr. Woboya Vincent

The Director, Mine Action Centre Mr Woboya hailed ULSA for organizing the Annual National Meeting and acknowledge the support by AAR Japan in the meeting. He gave an insight into Mine Action activities that Uganda has achieved to date.
He pointed out that the Ugandan Government is committed to assisting landmine survivors. Uganda signed the Mine Ban Treaty on 3rd December 1997 and ratified on 1st August 1999 making it a States Party.

In view of the above the National Mine Action Program was established in 2005 with the overall responsibility to collect data and address the humanitarian and socio- economic problems caused by landmines and explosive remnants of war.

In his speech he mentioned that one of the key functions of the Mine Action Programs is to coordinate the key line ministries and other stakeholders to integrate the five pillars of the mine action into development programs through a National Mine Action Steering Committee.

The five pillars of Mine Action are:

• Demining
• Mine Risk Education
• Victims Assistance
• Stockpile Destruction
• Advocacy

According to Mine Action Centre statistics, 442 villages in Gulu and Kitgum were demined and 527 mined arrears assessed. These activities did not reach other affected parts like Kasese because it is a long process and is very expensive but he assured the meeting that all conflict affected areas in Uganda are in the clearance program.

He commented the UPDF and the Uganda Police for spearheading the process which so far is very successful. He also raised awareness on the challenges the team is facing in clearance such as:
• Scattered villages
• Thick vegetation
• Bad terrain

He praised the legal frame in Uganda that complements the international obligations. This among others includes the following aspects.

 National policy on disability, which is consistent with the United Nations Standard Rules for Equalization and Equal Opportunities for Persons with Disability

 The Persons with Disability Act 2006
 National Council for Disability Act 2003
 Equal Opportunities Commission Act2007
 The National Plan such as Poverty Eradication Action Plan and
 Social Development Strategic Investment Plan.

He said these legal frame works are meant to address the challenges of inequality, exclusion, unemployment and low productivity among persons with disability and other vulnerable groups.

Reactions from Survivors

1. A survivor from Kitgum proposed that the documents mention on disability issues be provided for them to helps them know their rights and the prevailing situations.
He accused the district local government of not giving them the required documentation and requested Mr. Woboya to avail them the document.
Mr. Woboya He however said there no hard copies at hand but would provide these Acts at a later time.

2. A Survivor from Gulu requested the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development to ensure that Local Government provides assistance to survivors and a monitoring team established to ensure that the needs of the survivors are met as stated.

3. Ms. Teddy Kiwhalili from Kasese suggested that the Government comes up with a Policy that would help the Spouses of the Victims who have lost or are disabled as a result of landmine and ERWs so that such families are able to educate and meet the basic needs of their children.

4. Survivors wanted to know how the Mine Action Centre determines or differentiate between a place that has landmine and one that does not?

His response was that by working hand in hand with the community members they were able to identify the dangerous zones and the experts called in to mark and conduct clearance. The community plays a very crucial role in the demining process.

In a conclusive remark he encouraged the participants to be vigilant in advocating for their rights at all levels.

vii) Elina Dibrova - Victims Assistance Advisor, Danish Demining Group

Elina congratulated the organisers of the National Annual Meeting and told members to continue raising voices of the survivors in order to achieve reasonable victim’s assistance which is a component of the five years strategic plan.

As the Director, Mine Action Centre had already elaborated on Victim Assistance she wished the participants fruitful deliberations.

viii) Presentation by GICHD Consultant on Victim Assistance: Steve Harknett

He appreciated efforts by ULSA in organising the Annual National Meeting and further elaborated that the Mine Ban Treaty has established the norm that States Parties have a duty to provide assistance to protect the rights of landmine survivors, their families and the affected communities.

On the UNCRPD, he said the Government of Uganda signed Optional Protocol on 30th March 2008 and ratified the UNCRPD on 25th Sept 2008.
He pointed out that the “UN Convention is the first Comprehensive Human Rights Treaty of the 21st Century established with the following basic principles.

• Respect for persons with disabilities, dignity and individual autonomy, including the freedom to make one’s own choices.

• No discrimination.

• Full participation and inclusion in society

• Respect for difference and acceptance of persons with disabilities as part of human diversity and humanity.

• Equality of opportunity

• Equality between Men and Women

• Respect for the evolving capacities of children with disabilities and respect for their right to preserve their identities.

He mentioned that the Mine Ban Treaty’s special efforts on Victim Assistance were being made in about 26 most affected states to develop goals and plans in which Uganda is involved.

Mr Harknett reiterated that the UNCRPD is not for UN but meant for the people and argued the participants to be fully involved in planning for their needs and should embrace the Convention as their own and argue the Government to translate the document into local languages of Uganda o that all the survivors are able to read and understand the concept.

He emphasised that Victims Assistance should not be done in kind like constructing houses, educating survivors’ children and other material gifts among others but rather through:
• Capacity Building
• Income generation activities and
• Vocational training for the survivors to become self reliant

He then mentioned some of the challenges that hinder Victim Assistance and these among others are:

• Lack of reliable centres for landmine survivors
• Limited emergency and continuing medical care for the survivors
• Legislation and Government policies
• Physical location of the survivors
• Psychological support not sufficient to the survivors
• Difficulties in economic integration
• Poor dissemination of information to the grass root especially issues concerning disability
• Inadequate data collection because it is not properly facilitated most especially the data collected does not have the numbers, locations and the needs of the survivors.
• Landmine survivors do not have the same rights as that of persons with disability

Success Registered Over The Years

• The number of countries joining the treaty continued to grow from 71 countries as of 1st March to 156 countries as of 1st March 2009 hence this is a very considerable success.

• Affected communities educated about the risks of antipersonnel mines and ERWs

• Support provided to the survivors

• Protected the rights of Landmine survivors.

• Destroyed 42 millions of stockpiled antipersonnel mines, ensuring that it can never be planted on the earth again.

• Steadily reduced the number of new landmine casualties.

• Global trade in antipersonnel mines has stopped and production decreased dramatically.

He urge NUDIPU and Ministry of Gender Labour and Social Development to integrate landmine survivors within persons with disabilities body.
He broadened the participants understanding by giving them an exercise to complete and commended the survivors for their active participation.

REVIEW OF THE CONSTITUTION BY LEGAL ACTION FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (LAPD)

The Executive Director, LAPD Ms Kanushu Laura undertook this exercise and took the general assembly through the ULSA 2005 Constitution. She thanked all invited guests and expressed her joy and previledge to be part of the General Assembly and was happy to identify herself with people with disabilities.

She raised particular concern for the UPDF combatants who are institutionalized in Mubende and being provided with very minimal services. Such segregation she insisted should be advocated for because the UPDF are part of the larger community and they got their injuries while providing security to the country. Special tribute was given to the gallant participants from the UPDF at the meeting, Major General Julius Oketta, Lt. Col. Steven Basaliza, WO II Jackson Monday and Pte. Odong

Ms Laura Kanushu, LAPD Executive Director reviewing the Constitution

i) Contents of the Constitution

• The language used in the constitution must be simple and easy to understand by all.

• It must stipulate the name and the physical location of the offices

• It must have the signatures of the Directors

• It must have the signature of the witness

• It must be certified by the registry

• It must have the preamble that is stating the goal of the organization

• There should be objectives

• It should state the membership of the organization how and when one can be terminated

• It should state the rights and duties of the Executive Board

• The organizational structure of the Association should be clearly stated

• It must state the office bearers and their respective duties.

• It should have the financial guide, address the human resource issues, HIV/AIDs and gender issues.

• There must be an Amendment clause

• It should have a dissolution clause

After having studied the ULSA Constitution for two weeks before the meeting, she has observed that the constitution has most of the issues raise above and has very simple language which can easily be understood.

However she made a few observations in the Constitution which requires amendment.

• The Vision and Mission statements are missing

• Content not included

• The exact location of the office is not stated that is the plot number- this however was reserved as ULSA does not yet have an office but activities being carried for a another office.

• Disciplinary actions for indiscipline members not stated

• The structure of the Executive Board not clear

• Issue of appointing the Auditor is not mentioned

• Gender issues are not stipulated

• Regional balances not clearly stated

• Membership fee not stated in the constitution.

• How membership fee will be paid weather weekly, monthly or annually should clearly be stated in the Constitution.

• It did not specify the Associations Bank Accounts and also the Signatories to these Accounts.

• It should state the frequency of the General Assembly.

ii) Resolutions

After going through the Constitution with the guidance of LAPD, the General Assembly resolved that:

a) That the Mission and the Vision statement be included in the constitution.
b) Table of content will be incorporated in the constitution.
c) A participant argued that the exact location be stated but according to the expert this can not be included in the constitution at the moment because the office can move to another location any moment and this will involve a change in the Constitution which takes a longer process however she mentioned that if the Association acquires its own building then the exact location including the plot numbers can be state at a later time.
d) In Article V of the Constitution the word Executive Committee / Executive Board be changed to one word as Executive Board.
e) Composition of the Executive Directors be divided in two: that is the Secretariat and the Board.
f) The Secretariat will comprise of:
• Executive Director

g) The Board will then include:

• Chairperson
• Secretary
• Treasurer
• Legal Advisor

h) That disciplinary issue for indiscipline members is incorporated in the constitution.

i) The participants resolved that the Executive Board will comprise of Survivors only and this will be done through elections by the survivors it was agreed that the Executive Board will comprise of the following:

• Chairperson
• Vice chairperson.
• Secretary
• Treasurer
• Women Representative
• Youth Representative
• Parent’s Representative.
• Police Representative.
• UPDF Representative.
• Legal Advisor.

j) An Auditor firm will be appointed by the Executive Board.

k) Gender issues should be clearly stated and the Executive Board must have a balance of both male and female

l) Regional representation be maintained when electing members of the Executive Board

m) Membership fee paid per Survivor Group will be 25,000/= (Twenty five thousand shillings only) plus a subscription fee of 15,000/= (Fifteen thousand Uganda Shillings only) per annum.

n) ULSA to hold separate bank accounts for different donors and be operated by: Chairperson, Director, and Treasurer. There will be one Principle Signatory and the Principle signatory can sign with one of the two signatories to be able to access the Account.

o) Legal Advisor will be appointed by the Board and will have no voting powers

p) General Assembly will be held annually and each district will sent two survivors male and female.

Participants discussing the Constitution

After reviewing and amending the constitution the General Meeting was officially closed by ULSA Director and she thanked all the participants and the Expert for their invaluable support.

DAY TWO: 9TH JULY 2009

Proceedings of the second day of the meeting commenced at 9.00 am with prayers led by by Mystica Rose ULSA support staff.

Rose Acayo took the participants in a re-cap of previous days activities where participants mentioned what went right and wrong and the way forward.

i) Positives:
 Good hospitality of the organisers ULSA officials with a special vote of thanks to Madam Margaret Arach Orech.

 A vote of thanks to AAR Japan representative Mariko Aoki for being part of the meeting and actively participating in the deliberations.

 Objectives of the meeting achieved.
- Amendment of the Constitution satisfactorily done.

 Broadened understanding of the survivors on policies of disability.

 Survivors from West Nile were so grateful for being part of the meeting which was the first ever for them to attend.

ii) Negatives:
 Copies of the presentation by other speakers were not given to the survivors and they requested to be availed.

 Copies of the Nairobi Action Plan not provided.

 Cluster Munitions Article on VA not provided as promised.

During the re-cap, survivors expressed their gratitude to Margaret Arach Orech for voicing out their needs and suffering to both the National and the International communities. A poem in her tribute was composed and recited by Jimmy Angole a survivor from Apac.

Margaret you are really a” MOTHER “!
Margaret you are like JESUS who really sacrificed for the sins of every body.
People sacrificed him, critised him, killed him he never responded.
Therefore this work needs a person who has the concept of GRACE unto his or her HEART.
My prayer to you Margaret MAY THE ALMIGHTY FATHER BLESS YOU ABUNDANTLY.

BY JIMMY ANGOLE

The Victim Assistance Focal point officer of the Ministry of Gender, Labour and social Development Ms Beatrice Kaggya invited the Senior Police Commissioner to give a brief speech.

Mr. Richard Edyegu is a Senior Commissioner of Uganda Police and a landmine survivor. He thanked the members present and the survivors for attending the General Assembly and extended his appreciation to ULSA for organising such an important meeting.

He then shared his experience as a landmine survivor and mentioned that he sustained his injury in 1998 while working in Kasese. He opted to work in Kasese because of the problems the population were facing especially the instability at the time. Despite the loss he still feels happy for being helpful in the local community.

Challenges met after the ccident:

• He was isolation
• Psychological trauma
• Financial constraints because he was unable to carry on his normal duties

But despite all the above he was able to gather him self and build confidence and this speeded up the healing process. After getting his prosthesis, he was able to resume normal duties and excelled through all the ranks to level of Senior Police Commissioner.
He encouraged the survivors to be very confident so that they are able to carry on their normal duties because they have all the capacity to perform better. He encouraged them to take part in Government programmes because “Disability is not Inability”.
He thanked Margaret for her tireless work she is doing for the Landmine Survivors

SHARING OF EXPERIENCES BY SURVIVOR GROUPS

The different survivor groups then shared experience with the rest on how they have been working citing their achievements, challenges and proposed way forward.

1. GULU AMURU LANDMINE SURVIVORS GROUP (GALMSG)

GALMSG’s VISION: “Landmine victims live dignified, independent, fully integrated lives in society”.
GALMSG’s MISSION: Landmine survivors face unique physical, psycho-social and economic challenges that limit victim’s ability to achieve their life potential.
GALMSG exist to help alleviate the effect of these challenges through capacity building, psychosocial support, economic support, and education support and advocacy interventions within Gulu and Amuru communities and give survivors an opportunity to live a full life.
OBJECTIVES:
The objectives of the group are:
- To undertake capacity building for landmine survivors in Gulu and Amuru districts.
- To provide psycho social support to landmine survivors in Gulu and Amuru districts.
- To advocate for the rights and needs of landmine survivors from grassroots to international levels.
- To raise resources to meet organizational and beneficiary needs.

ACHIEVEMENTS
2008:
- 2007/2008 GALMSG had carried out a base-line survey to know the statistics of survivors in Gulu and Amuru districts. The survey found out that 500 landmine victims died, 853 survived of which 36% were women and 64% were men, number of children was not specified.

- 35 landmine survivors were trained in Small Business Management and provided with start-up soft credit of Uganda Shillings 257,000 (the equivalent of US$ 116.82) each.

- 1 motorcycle was acquired to ease coordination and carrying out project activities.

- 100 landmine survivors in Gulu and Amuru districts received counseling.

- 5 landmine survivors were built 2-roomed houses and equipped with basic household kits (chairs, table and utensils).

- 11 landmine survivors were trained in peer to peer counseling (TOT)

- 11 Executive Board members were trained in leadership skills and financial management.

- 20 Landmine survivors were trained on solar panel assembling and also provided with 20 solar panels for charging phone, batteries as a source of income generation in the remote villages.

2009:

- 20 Landmine survivors were trained in Small Business Management in order to equip them with skills to manage their small and given startup capital of UGX 350,000/=(the equivalent of US$ 159.09) each.
- 1 additional motorcycle and 1 laptop computer were acquired
- 60 landmine survivors received 2 she- goats each
- The above achievements have been supported by Humanist Action for Human
(Rights HAMU) Norway

CHALLENGES

- Lack of funds to support the return and reintegration of landmine survivors from IDP camps to their original home villages.

Coordination:

1. At the local levels in Gulu/Amuru Districts, international NGOs namely AVSI ,CPAR, World Vision ,DDG,UMAC together with Gulu/Amuru Landmine Survivors Group, Army, District Rehabilitation office hold monthly meetings to review programs activities of the month and identify the challenges to be addressed.

2. At national level, MoGLSD, UMAC, OPM and MoH have drawn up overall plan for the country, for example we participated in launching the Comprehensive Plan for Landmine Victims Assistance in Pader on the 2nd June 2009.

3. The funds at UNDP that were initially blocked has been transferred to Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development.

4. Survivors / /persons with disability have been involved in coordination meetings through giving first hand information on the situation of survivors and aiding the flow of information about possible assistance to survivors who might not know of the opportunities. This is the case in Gulu and Amuru.

5. On Comprehensive Plan for Landmine Victim Assistance, there are no achievements yet as it has just been launched on 2nd June 2009.

6. The delay in victim assistance implementation was bogged by bureaucracy at national level whereby a proposal to have UMAC and Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) manage the programme been shifted to the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, this is the little I know of it.

7. The concrete improvements in the lives of survivors, their families and communities since 1999 has been:
• Almost all the survivors have mobility aids or appliances.
• The attitude of their community members towards them have positively changed.
• A good number of survivors have acquired productive/tradable skills.
• Establishment and operation of survivors organizations /groups from grassroots to sub county and district levels.
• A good number of survivors have been trained in small business management and are running their small enterprises.

8. Since 1999 Victim Assistance services provision has evolved In the following ways:
• By 1999, the main service provider in northern Uganda has been AVSI.
• By 2000 CPAR also started providing assistance.
• By 2005 World Vision also started to provide assistance.
• By 2005 survivors groups were formed and assistance from INGOs namely PACT/OMEGA-USAID, CPAR started being provided to them.
• By 2005/06 UNDP/UMAC/OPM provided money for the general assembly meeting of landmine survivors in Gulu and Amuru districts.
• From 2007-2009 all the affected districts in northern Uganda had survivors’ organizations and International NGOs are supporting them.
• Government action contributed to improvement in the lives of survivors through putting in place good policies and coordination with INGOs.
• The VA26 process has affected victims’ assistance positively in the way that donors have increased their contributions for the programme.

Currently the Obstacles and Opportunities for Economic Opportunities

- The obstacles to economic opportunities are lack of capital, and besides the implementers of most of the support projects are non –survivors who might not be prioritizing the needs of real survivors.

- The opportunities are that most survivors have productive skills in income generating activities and the security situation has been greatly improved in northern Uganda.

The Current Status of Physical Rehabilitation In Uganda

Physical rehabilitation services are provided by government and Christian mission hospitals. The services in both the government and mission hospitals are mostly supported by International Non Governmental Organizations.

In government hospitals the services is free except that the survivors and their care takers have to meet their upkeep costs which is at times too costly for the rural poor.

In private clinics or hospitals, the appliances are sold on of top, having to meet upkeep costs. Generally physical rehabilitation in Uganda is costly to the average citizen.
Most survivors get first assistance from the hospitals who in most cases are aided by INGOs.

The obstacles to receiving replacement and repairs are costs and distance to the health facilities where one can have them. Most of the services are provided by International NGOs.
There are no resettlement packages for all IDPs .
Our organization has been collaborating with parties you mentioned as good opportunities –including through project support from both AVSI and CPAR,we have been attending coordination meetings for victim assistance issues in Gulu.

Assistance Type Total
Number of Survivors Assisted in 2008 Total Survivors Injured in 2008 Receiving Assistance Total
Number of
Other Persons with Disabilities Assisted
Emergency Medical Care inc. transportation 0 None
Continuing Medical Care 0
Prosthetics & Devices 0
Physical Rehabilitation 0
Psychological Support inc.:
Professional 15 0
peer support 460 0
Social Reintegration inc. sports 20 0
Economic Reintegration inc.:
Loans/micro-credit 35 0
Income-generation projects/grants- not credit-based 40 0
Vocational training Job placement 20 0
Educational Support 0
Other Services.( please note here: ) referral
40 0
Total Number of Survivors Assisted 630 0
TOTAL NUMBER ASSISTED

2. PADER LANDMINE SURVIVORS GROUP

Pader Landmine Survivor Group was started in 2003 with the help of World Vision. Initially they started with a few survivors of about 18 members and the number grew to about 58 Survivors.

ACHIEVEMENTS

 Sensitization programmes provided for the Survivors

 Vocational training given especially in tailoring.

 Income generation activities provided hence the survivors have become self reliant.

CHALLENGES

• Poor communication. The district local Government does not pass the required information regarding the survivors

• Money given to the district to support the survivors does not reach them corruption is on the raise.

• Problems in mobility the survivors find a lot of difficulties in travelling to the district headquarter which are situated many kilometres away from the survivor’s residence.

• Women survivors are abandoned by their husbands with the kids yet they cannot provide for their education.

• Because of their vulnerability the men only come to impregnate the women survivors and abandon them later.

3. KASESE WAR WIDOWS NETWORK – Presented by Teddy Kiswahilli)

The group was formed in 2003 after she got training in 1999. The group accommodates Widows who lost their Spouse in the War in one way or the other.

This group also comprise children and landmine survivors.

ACHIEVEMENTS

 Sharing of experience has given the survivors to build confidence because they believe that their counter-parts have more problems than themselves.

 They were able to get support from the local community and well-wishers to help survivors.

• Provided counselling programme for the survivors

• Income generation activities.

• HIV/AIDS issues incorporated.

CHALLENGES

• Lack of government support for the Widows

• High school drop out rates in the families due to limited income to pay children’s school fee.

• Limited Sensitization programme

• Lack of funds.

4. KITGUM DISTRICT

This group was formed in 2005 in Kitgum district and it is the largest with the coverage of 19 sub-counties.

• In 2006 the group lobbied for funds and they were supported by World Vision which trained the members in income generating activities.

• AVSI also provided Vocational Training for the survivors in tailoring and knitting

• They provided 1150 meters of materials for survivors and knitting machines.

• They provided awareness programme for HIV/AIDS for the Survivors.

• They also benefited from the NAADS Agricultural Programme.

• They are also trained in bee keeping and provided with bee hives

CHALLENGES

 Lack of office equipments like computers for the programme.

• Mobilization problem

• Lack of fund

• Transportation problems mainly from the villages to the district Head Quarters.

• Big gap in communication with the Donors

• Limited access to information

• Discrimination

• High rate of divorce by the spouses of the Survivors.

• Limited access to artificial limbs and its appliances

• Income generation activities limited due to limited materials

• Famine which has struck families in Northern Uganda

5. LIRA LANDMINE SURVIVORS ASSOCIATION

The group was started in 2003 with only four members. The for group formation was initiated by Margaret Arach Orech and the number grew steadily up to 125 landmine survivors.

They also pointed out that there 3125 people who are living with fragments from small arms in their bodies.

ACHEIEVEMENTS

• PACT Omega supported them in data collection

• Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development is supporting survivors in five sub-counties and about 134 survivors have been supported.

• PACT Omega facilitated their elections.

• With the help of PACT Omega, the group managed to open a Bank Account although the amount in the Account is very minimal.

• AVSI supported the children of the survivors about 20 children are being educated by AVSI.

• Showing Machine and the materials provided for the survivors.

CHALLENGES

• Negative attitude of the Government in providing sufficient support for the survivors

• Proposals that are given to District Local Government for support are never honoured yet community Development Officers at the district level are to implement such proposals.

• Iron sheets that were meant to be given to survivors did not reach them because the terms of distribution are so stringent that the survivors can not meet for example for one to get Iron sheets they should have constructed a wall yet most of the survivors are incapacitated.

• People leaving with small arms in their bodies are not able to get the necessary operation because they can not afford the cost of operation so they appeal to Government to help those individuals.

• Most of the survivor groups do not have the skills to write projects.

Appeals To Government

• That Government should educate the children of the survivors.

• Government should help construct permanent houses for the Survivors.

• That Government should facilitate the operation of those individuals who have small arms fragments in their bodies.

• That Government should help to train the survivors to acquire the required skills.

6. KASESE SURVIVORS GROUP

This survivor groups first started with 4 members two from each affected family. The survivors pointed out that they started the group after realising that these two families have gone through the same experience. Each had two members of the family injured by landmine.

After sensitization the number of the group members grew to 126 as at March 2007 and out of this 86 are men and 43 females respectively.

Major activities
• Mobilization.

• Peer to Peer counselling.

• Economic activities like rope making, banana fibres, making hand crafts like pots baskets, bags and birds.

• Livestock rearing for example goats and pigs, currently the group has 36 goats and 62 high breed pigs and they also have poultry project which is still at its initial stages

• The survivors are also involved in carpentry

ACHIEVEMENTS

• Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development has supported them by giving them 10 office chairs and 2 motorcycles to facilitate their activities.

• They are able to use the locally available materials to earn income.

• Survivors now have the confidence to voice their needs.

CHALLENGES

• At the beginning the Government was not supportive and ignored their existence

• Mobilization due to the bad terrain of the district and lack of proper means of transport.

• Lack of confidence among the survivors.

• Limited funds to support the Survivors.

• Families have not recovered from the physical trauma.

• Cases of divorce and family break up are rampant

7. APAC LANDMINE AND SMALL ARMS ASSOCIATION

This group came into existence in 2008 with 70 members. The numbers are expected to rise because Apac has one of the largest sub-counties.

Survivors from Apac sharing their experiences

MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS

• It is registered as CBO under local Government p Chairperson availed the Registration Certificate for the participants.

• The group also have a Constitution.

• Economic empowerment by providing income generation activities.

• Vocational training especially in carpentry

• Plans in pipeline to establish an office

Challenges

• Lack of mobility appliances.

• Lack of artificial limbs.

• People leaving with small arms not operated.

• No proper medical facilities for the Survivors who are sick due to lack of medication in public Hospitals.

• Discrimination by Ministry of Gender, Labour and social development in providing support for the Survivors.

• Poor accommodation due to inability to make to build proper houses.

• High rate of school drop out for the children of the survivors because most time they help in domestic activities.

• Appliances for the artificial limbs are very expensive hence most survivors could not afford.

• Food shortage for the families.

8. OYAM LANDMINE SURVIVORS GROUP

This group was founded in 2009 with the membership of 20 Survivors and to date it has expanded to 96 members.

ACHIEVEMENTS

• Successful data collection.

• A number of survivors were able to get artificial Limbs from Gulu Orthopaedic workshop about 25 of them were fitted
.
• The restocking project benefited the members, the parish restocking committee was directed to give livestock to the survivors.

CHALLENGES

• Poor coordination between survivors, government and stakeholders.

• Problems in mobilization.

• Very minimal assistance extended to the survivors by the government.

• Failure to cope up with the challenges facing the Survivors.

• Long distance to travel to access medical facilities.

• Social discrimination.

9. YUMBE LANDMINE SURVIVORS – WEST NILE

West Nile has no established group because this is the first time they have ever been involved in such meeting. They have never been exposed yet their area faced a lot of trouble during the 20 years insurgency.

The group that came for the National Annual Meeting of Survivors hailed from Yumbe District. Survivors from the other districts of Arua, Moyo, Adjumani and Koboko were not contacted because of mobilization.

However the survivors from West Nile have appreciated Madam Margaret for the effort she has made to put them on the Ugandan map as part of the communities that suffered from the 20 year old war.

Sharing session

West Nile is still at the stage of raising Voice and the Survivors requested Margaret to help them in mobilization.

Otherwise most of the issues raised are cross cutting and members have put more emphasis in lobby and capacity building as the way forward.

Lobby Session - Steve Harknett (GICHD Consultant)

Mr Harknet took time to discuss with the survivor groups present possible income generation activities that each group could undertake. He had a one on one discussion with the different groups to find out their exact numbers, sub counties operated within and its membership. He emphasised on the importance of capacity building, and said most of the survivors pointed out help through handouts like provision of accommodation, relief aid items of food and other scholastic materials, providing education for the survivor’s children among others.

Steve Harknett of the Geneva Centre for Humanitarian Demining

He mentioned that the trend of Victims Assistance should involve provision of income generation activities through survivor groups as it could lead to the survivors building of self reliance strategy. While vocational training, like tailoring, shoe making, carpentry and knitting brings regular income to the household.

He pointed out that Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development has started these activities in four districts of Northern Uganda that is Amuru, Gulu, Lira and Kitgum and it is indented to cover all the affected districts with time.

He encouraged the survivors to participate in the lobbying session by giving them an exercise to complete.

ELECTION OF THE EXECUTIVES BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The finale of the two day meeting was the election of the Executive Board of Directors members that was conducted by Mr Francis Opolot from the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development.

Ms Rose Acayo invited the Election Officer to take up the work of calling for nominations.

Mr Opolot introduced himself and spelt out the guidelines for the electoral process that would be done through secret balloting.

1. For each post, there will be three nominations each nomination seconded
2. If the nominated candidate is not seconded, he or she will automatically be disqualified
3. After nominations and secondment, voters will be provided with ballot papers to vote
4. Each voter is to write only one name in the ballot paper
5. Total number of eligible voters are 45

He mentioned that the Executive will comprise of the following positions:

1. Chairperson
2. Vice chairperson
3. Secretary.
4. Treasurer
5. Women representative
6. Youth representative
7. Parent’s representative
8. Police Representative
9. UPDF Representative and
10. A Legal Advisor.

He pointed out that Police has already given its representative Richard Edyegu/ The UPDF Representatives will not be elected but rather nominated by Major General Juliua Oketta..

The legal Advisor will be appointed by the Board at a later time and will have no voting rights.

He also mentioned that before a member is elected they are suppose to give a brief
background about themselves in 2 minutes.

He then opened the floor for Elections.

1. Position of Chair Person
Margaret Arach Orech of Kampala:
Nominated by: Obol Tony Ray Omach from Kitgum.
Seconded By: Aweri Okwiri from Lira.
Margaret Arach Orech went unopposed for the position of Chairperson for ULSA.

2. The position Vice Chairperson
a) Steven Okello of Gulu
Nominated by: Waiga Rasual from West Nile.
Seconded By: Susan Ajwang from Lira

b) Ndathu Milton of Kasese for the position of Vice Chair person
Nominated by: Teddy Kiswahili of Kasese
Seconded by: Pte Odong Joseph from UPDF

In the brief speech given by Ndathu he steped down in favour of Okello Steven of Gulu hence Okello Steven declared the Vice Chairperson for ULSA.

3. Position of Secretary.
Otim Richard of Kitgum
Nominated by: Piloya Monica from Gulu.
Seconded by: Ndathu Ahab from Kasese

Oryem Rose demanded nominations be closed and participants agreed to it and the Election officer declared Otim Richard as the Secretary for the Association unopposed.

4. Position of Treasurer
a) Rose Achayo of Kampala
Nominated by: Margaret Arach Orech from Kampala.
Seconded by: Teddy Kiswahili

b) Toobalo Lucy of Pader.
Nominated by: Laker Irene from Gulu.
Seconded by: Oryem Rose from Kitgum
Rubanga Kene Bosco of Pader requested nominations be closed.

Toobalo Lucy steped down in favour of Rose Achayo hence Rose Achayo declared the Association’s treasurer unopposed.

5. Position of Women Representative
Opio Grace of Lira:
Nominated by: Apat Anneth from Kitgum.
Seconded by: Anna Akao of Apac
Birra Rebecce of Kasese demanded nominations be closed and members agreed
Opio Grace of Lira declared the Women Representative unopposed.

6. Position of Youth Representative
a) Otim George of Oyam
Nominated by:Ahab Ndathu from Kasese.
Seconded by: Ongom Richard of Oyam

b) Fauzia Mudaki of Kasese
Nominated by: Ndatho Milton from Kasese
Seconded by: Waiga Rasual from West Nile

After a brief speech from both candidates an election was held and Fauzia emerged the winner with 35 votes and her counter part with 12 votes.
The election offical then declared Fauzia Mudaki the elected Youth representative for ULSA.

7. Position of Parent Representative
a) Okwir Aweri of Lira
Nominated by: Okello Steven from Gulu
Seconded by :Ndathu Ahab from Kasese.

b) Okeca Geoffery of Oyam
Nominated by: Otim Richard from Kitgum.
Seconded by: Oryem Rose of Kitgum

c) Teddy Kiwshahili of Kasese
Nominated by: Odongo George from Pader
Seconded by: Ndathu Ahab from Kasese

d) Angole Jimmy of Apach
Nominated by: Waiga Rasual from West Nile.
Seconded by: AkaoAnna from Apac

This position was very competitive it fielded four candidates and all the four are elected with the following votes.

Okwir Aweri - 4 votes
Teddy Kiswahili - 8 votes.
Angole Jimmy - 10 votes
Okeca Geoffrey emerged with the highest votes of 23 and he is declared the Elected Parent Representative for ULSA.

8. Police Representative
Richard Edyegu

The election official then outlined the elected members of ULSA executive as below.

Chairperson: Arach Orech - Apac

Vice chair person: Okello Richard - Gulu

Secretary: Otim Richard - Kitgum

Treasurer: Achayo Rose - Pader.

Women Representative: Grace Opio - Lira

Youth Representative: Fauzia Mudaki - Kasese.

Parent Representative: Okeca Geoffery - Oyam.

Police Representative: Richard Edyegu Appointed

UPDF Representative: To be appointed by Maj. Gen Julius Oketta UPDF.

Legal Advisor: To be appointed by the Board.

The election official then congratulated the members elect and urged them to take the task ahead of them very seriously for the benefit of the Association.

WAY FORWARD FOR THE EXECUTIVE

1. The Executive members were encouraged to come up with a timetable to tour affected districts in order to find out the problems facing survivors in those districts

2. Develop a Strategic Plan of Action

3. Maximum level of cooperation among the Executive members and they should work hand in with the stakeholders.

4. Work as a Team

5. Be Transparent

6. Encourage capacity building.

7. Fund raise to establish a Secretariat

Margaret Arach Orech encouraged members to note that there are celebrations that are carried out every year in commemoration of the Landmine, Cluster Munitions and Disability related issues and has the following to mention:
 1st of March is the entry into force of Mine Ban Treaty.
 4th of April is the UN Mine Awareness Day.
 3rd December is International Day for the Disabled .

INAGURATION OF NEW BOARD AND CLOSURE

Hon. William Nokrach, the Member of Parliament Representing Persons with Disabilities, Northern Uganda was the Guest of Honour who performed the closing ceremony that ended with inauguration of the new board.
He was welcomed by the Victim Assistance Focal Point officer for MoGLSD Beatrice Kaggya
In a brief speech the Electoral Officer, Mr Opolot congratulated the Executive members’ elected and argue them to work hard for the Association especially in areas of capacity building.

He pointed out that MoGLSD has components related to Landmines and challenged the Board Members to fit in the Five year work plan and integrate the Ministry of Gender Labour and Social Development (MoGLSD) activities into ULSA activities with the help of the Focal Point Officer Beatrice Kaggya.

He then introduced the new Executive Members to the Guest of Honour.

The AAR representative Ms Mariko Aoki then said a few words..
In a brief speech the AAR representative Mariko Aoki congratulated the Member elect and said that this election is a big step ahead for ULSA to accomplish its activities. This is an event that has been long awaited for in the last 4 years hence a big achievement and she wished the members the best of luck.

In his closing speech by Chief Guest Mr. William Nokcrach MP for Northern Uganda expressed his gratitude for the General Assembly and said this togetherness is the beginning of the strengthening of the organization.

He thanked the AAR representative for being part of the function and for funding the General Assembly. He mentioned that although World Food Programme (WFP) provide support for the people in Northern Uganda, people with disability have a lot of challenges to benefit from the assistance especially food aid due to their vulnerability as they cannot compete favourably with rest of the people for example a deaf person will not be able to hear his name to pick his ratio as well as one who cannot see will not be able to know that the right amount is given.

He however said that regardless of the disability God has kept the Survivors for a reason so he encourages them to be confident in carrying out their day to day activities.
The Honourable Member of Parliament then appealed to the AAR representative to support ULSA if they will manage to come up with the strategic plan and assure the representative that when the assistance is extended he will ensure that the money is used for the right cause especially to assist the Survivors in all the districts.

He briefly spoke about Margaret Orech, ULSA Director, that he had worked with her in AVSI before she meet her accident in 1998 and knows her as very competent, hard working, patient and honest person and by the virtue of her qualities even after the accident she was able to stand-up and raise the voices of Landmine Survivors to the Government and both to the National and International communities. He extended his overwhelming appreciations for the good work done and encouraged her to continue with the struggle.

He appreciated the participants for electing Rose Achayo who he said has all the competence to hold the post and congratulated the other Executive members.
He expressed his dissatisfaction at the UPDF for not electioning their members on the principles of democracy and he mentioned that the UPDF should have elected the members present other than being appointed by Major Gen. Julius Oketta. He urged that the name of the UPDF representative be submitted as soon as possible.

He then urged Executive members to take note of the following important points:

• The executive members should be trained to acquire leadership skills which are very crucial in managing the Association activities and committed himself to provide the training if invited.

• He put emphasis on the element of cooperation among the Executive from the beginning of their journey up to the time when the association will be bearing fruits.

• He also pointed out the element of hard work and said the team should work tirelessly to ensure that the Association does not collapse and they should have collective responsibility for the Association.

• The members should have a high level of honesty to be able to accomplish the task ahead of them.

In his concluding remarks, Hon. Nokrach encouraged the survivors to emulate the Gulu group who are fully involved in income generating activities.
He pointed out his office is soon holding a workshop on leadership skills and pledged to invite the new ULSA executives to attend and pledged his support to help the Association in one way or another to grow stronger.

He finally wished a safe journey home for all the participants and the invited Guest and the General Meeting was officially closed at exactly 7:30 p.m.

© 2009 Uganda Landmine Survivors Association.