Mission of the month: Uganda

Front Lines. 1988 Apr:4-5, 12.

Abstract

PIP: US Agency for International Development (USAID) assistance to Uganda has been interrupted several times due to Uganda's turbulent history since independence. Mission Director Richard Podol explains that because USAID is not a major donor to Uganda, an effort is made to maximize effectiveness by being cautious about how agency money is spent. USAID looks for critical gaps that are not being filled by other donor programs yet are essential to the development of Uganda at present and in the future. 1 such area is export promotion. Another area is macroeconomic reform. Agricultural rehabilitation is a major factor in the mission's strategy to restore Uganda prosperity. USAID has a package of interrelated projects that work to increase agricultural production and improve processing and marketing, all supported by appropriate economic policies. In 1983, USAID began to fund the Manpower for Agriculture Development (MFAD) Project to assist the MInistry of Agriculture and Makerere University in strengthening their agricultural research and training capabilities. Also designed to increase food production is USAID's 6-year and $20 million Cooperative Agriculture and Agribusiness Support project. IN the health sector, USAID's Family Health Initiatives project works cooperatively with US and international organizations in supporting the MInistry of Health and Ugandan private organizations in their efforts to implement family planning policies and programs. The missions' oral rehydration project is being implemented throughout Uganda to reduce child mortality and severe cases of childhood illness caused by diarrheal diseases. The US in 1986 made pledges toward the budget for UGanda's Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) program. Podol maintains that while there has been significant economic and political progress, the primary issue continues to be political, i.e,, can full peace be restored to Uganda.

MeSH terms

  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome*
  • Africa
  • Africa South of the Sahara
  • Africa, Eastern
  • Agriculture*
  • Commerce*
  • Delivery of Health Care*
  • Developing Countries
  • Disease*
  • Economics*
  • Family Planning Services
  • Financial Management*
  • Fluid Therapy*
  • Government Agencies*
  • HIV Infections*
  • Health
  • Health Planning*
  • Health Services Administration*
  • Health Services*
  • Medicine*
  • Organization and Administration*
  • Organizations*
  • Social Planning*
  • Therapeutics*
  • Uganda
  • Virus Diseases*