Though the implications of Tuesday’s agreement on accountability and reconciliation remain uncertain, the UN’s January humanitarian update for northern Uganda demonstrates that the impact of the conflict on communities is still crystal clear. We take a break from the news blitz in Juba to list some sobering statistics:
- In Gulu district, only 25% of health worker positions are filled;
- Prisons remain congested, with one Gulu prison operating at 300% its capacity;
- Primary (elementary) school test scores dropped 50% from the previous year in Kitgum district;
- Over 31 cattle raids occurred in Karamoja, one of which killed 12 people.

Unfortunately, the Ugandan government and international community are still struggling to coordinate funding for the PRDP and humanitarian and recovery projects. So far the UN’s primary 2008 appeal for funding projects in Uganda has been funded at a woeful 4%.