Abstract:
Globally, policies have been implemented to mitigate against disaster risks whose frequency, severity and
impact is increasing. The aim of this research was to assess the extent to which landslide disaster risk reduction
policy measures have been implemented in Uganda. Primary data were obtained through household surveys and
key informant interviews conducted in the landslide disaster prone Mount Elgon district of Bududa in Eastern
Uganda. Secondary data were collected through document review. Household survey data were analyzed using
descriptive statistics and spearman's correlation tests while key informant interview data were analyzed using
content analysis. The study findings reveal that afforestation, and appropriate farming technologies and land
use practices are the most implemented landslide disaster risk reduction policy measures while gazetting of
landslide prone areas and prohibiting settlement in such risky areas, resettlement of people living in landslide
prone areas, and enforcement of relevant laws and regulations are the least implemented. The study findings
further show that awareness is the most important factor influencing implementation of landslide disaster risk
reduction policy measures at household level. The study findings also reveal high institutional vulnerability to
landslides, characterized by inadequate financial and human capacity, political interference, misuse of
resources, poor cooperation by the local community and lack of a sectoral law and this should be addressed.
Future research should focus on assessing the effectiveness of early warning systems for landslide disaster risk
reduction in Uganda.
