Implementation of landslide disaster risk reduction policy in Uganda

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.