Strategy for Accountability to affected populations in Karamoja, Uganda (2025-2030)

This strategy, developed through stakeholder consultations and analysis of community-based structures in Karamoja, aims to strengthen community participation in humanitarian and development programmes. It addresses growing challenges at the humanitarian, peace, and development nexus by emphasizing the need to enhance the capacity of local structures and improve accountability mechanisms. Recognizing the limitations of individual-based referral systems, it proposes a collective, government aligned approach for greater programmatic impact.

Oxfam, UN Women, and Communication for Development Uganda (CDFU), in collaboration with District Local Governments, have committed to implementing a collective Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP) mechanism across Karamoja’s nine districts. This joint response seeks to improve aid delivery and sustainability through strengthened community engagement.

The strategy outlines four strategic objectives for 2025–2030: (i) Build the capacity of community structures and affected populations; (ii) Improve access to safe and responsive complaints and feedback systems; (iii) Integrate community perspectives into project management and (iv) Reinforce organizational efforts to enhance community engagement. These objectives align with Core Humanitarian Standards 1, 3, 5, and 6.

To ensure effectiveness, the strategy includes regular monitoring, annual reviews, and documentation of AAP practices. It also features a risk mitigation plan, a structured management framework, and a sustainability plan. To emphasize on adaptability, this calls for collaboration among UN agencies, NGOs, the private sector, local communities, and the Ugandan government to foster a more inclusive, accountable, and sustainable approach to community engagement in Karamoja.