The same is true for most rural and urban areas expect probably kla and Mbarara.
gook
Bugiri is poorer today than 1985
By Wandera w'Ouma
June 5, 2003
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Bugiri residents are poorer today than they were 17 years ago, a survey has revealed. A study conducted by Isis-WICCE in the sub counties of Bulidha, Buyinja, Nabukalu, and Sigulu Islands in 2002 rates the district among the "poorest of the poor" with a majority having no enough food to eat. Isis-WICCE is a women's resource centre based in Kampala. The survey sampled 155 households, in addition to focus group discussions in each sub-county and interviews with district leaders. Bugiri has about 400,000 people. "A household wealth index of this research shows that the percentage of the 'poorest people' has increased to 56 percent from 19.9 percent since 1985," the study team leader said. Mr Joseph Tumushabe, who also is a lecturer at Makerere University, was launching the report at Bugiri Town Hall last week. The household wealth index shows that the rich group has dropped from 22 percent in 1985 to 13 percent in 2002. Ownership of bicycles, which is the most common means of transport in Bugiri, was down from 60.3 percent in 1985 to 56.4 percent. "The research also shows that ownership of radio and radio cassette recorders reduced from 30.1 percent in 1985 to 29.5 percent in 2002," he said. The report also indicates a drop in the households with cattle from 13 percent in 1985 to 6 percent in 2002; goats from 11 percent to 5 percent, pigs from 7 percent to 3 percent. However, there was an increase in sheep ownership from 7 percent in 1985 to 10 percent in 2002. The report says that 56 percent of the population, which has doubled, does not have enough food to eat. While 70 percent of the people depend on agriculture, there is shortage of food due to lack of farm labour because the majority of men move to the townships to drink and to play matatu (cards) and mweso. Other problems in the district include lack of improved seeds, shortage of drugs to control pests and diseases, infertile soils, uncontrolled population growth and low levels of education. Ms Ruth Ojambo-Ochieng, the director of Isis-WICCE, asked the district officials and the central government to use the data in planning. Bugiri district was one of the control areas for a study conducted by Isis-WICCE on 'Women, Armed Conflict and Food Security in Uganda'. Other districts covered were Kitgum, Kasese and Mbarara. |
© 2003 The Monitor Publications
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