Three weeks ago, rebels attacked a prison near Fort Portal, a town on the DRC border, and freed more than 300 inmates. They later murdered 90 of the prisoners, taking the rest captive. WFP is yet to re-open the supply routes to the region, saying the government has been unable to provide troops to protect their vehicles and personnel. Last week, the Minister of State for Refugees and Disaster Preparedness, Major Tom Butime visited the troubled region, and said the government would deliver some food to the refugees and internally displaced. The Western Uganda districts of Kasese and Bundibugyo are considered by the UN to be among the 12 out of 45 districts that are insecure.
Government officials say the food situation has been so bad that most children are poorly developed.
Upto 90 percent of the children between one and eight years of age among those displaced in camps, are believed to be stunted. The Uganda government is planning to give 50,000 US Dollars to local leaders to try and improve the living standards in the camps. But the UN agencies worry that landmines planted in the region could put the lives of their staff at risk. This limitation includes distribution via Usenet News, bulletin board systems, mailing lists, print media and broadcast.