§ Mrs. SpelmanTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of the reports of a ceasefire by the Lord's Resistance Army. [102808]
§ Clare ShortBoth Government and Donors have greeted this announcement with cautious optimism. President Museveni has responded by ordering the Ugandan Army to pull back from frontline positions in one area for a period of five days so that religious leaders, traditional leaders, and a Government peace team can hold face-to-face talks wit h the LRA. It is too early to say what will come out of this process but we are hoping for positive developments so that this terrible conflict might be brought to an end.
§ Mrs. SpelmanTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what assessment she has made of reports by the UN WFP on malnutrition in children in Anaka and Pabbo refugee camps in northern Uganda; and how much aid she is giving in response. [102809]
§ Clare ShortAn estimated 800,000 people have been displaced by this conflict in northern Uganda. Access to these groups is often difficult due to insecurity, but we are aware that the malnutrition rates in Anaka and Pabbo displaced persons camps are of grave concern. To date DFID has provided £2.5m for humanitarian needs including £.1.6m to the World Foocl Programme for the emergency purchase and distribution of food supplies. This food, along with other donor contributions, is now being distributed in Pabbo and An aka as well as other camps in northern Uganda. The DFID office in Uganda remains in close touch with agencies working in the area and is continually re-assessing the situation.