Policy 101 overview
Why does the U.S. have a role in what's happening in northern Uganda?
Who decides U.S. foreign policy?
How can our government be doing more?
What will it take for our government to do more?
Can one person really make a difference?
Why does the U.S. have a role in what's happening in northern Uganda?
There are a few very important reasons that the U.S. government should be taking a more active role in ending the crisis in northern Uganda.
- Humanitarian Imperative: What's happening in northern Uganda has been called the "world's most neglected humanitarian crisis" and given the scale of the suffering taking place there, the U.S. should be doing all that it can to end it. Nearly 2 million people have been displaced from their homes and lack access to the most basic of resources. A humanitarian disaster of this magnitude not only deserves but requires the attention of the most powerful government in the world. However, considering that this humanitarian catastrophe is man-made and not an unavoidable natural disaster, our response must extend beyond palliative humanitarianism to the action needed for political change.
- Relationship with the Ugandan government: Given the United States' unique relationship with the Ugandan government, it is in the position to ensure that this action is being taken. The United States is Uganda's third largest donor and funds a significant portion of the country's development and aid programs. This provides the United States significant leverage with the Government of Uganda; leverage that can be used pressure the government to take more effective action to end the conflict and protect the people of northern Uganda. Were this issue to be prioritized by the United States government, we have the tools at our disposal and the political capital necessary with the Government of Uganda to press for more effective policies.
- Strategic Interests: Not only does the United States have the capacity to help end the conflict in northern Uganda, it also has a strategic interest in pursuing peace in the region. Improving the lives of the millions of people who have been forced to endure this crisis is not only the right thing to do, it also would advance our long-term goals of regional security, democracy and stability.
Who decides U.S. foreign policy?
The United States Constitution divides control over foreign policy between the Executive branch and the Legislative branch so that both share in the making of foreign policy. Both the president (and the people he appoints) and members of Congress - elected government officials - are ultimately accountable to the American people. The two branches are responsible for different aspects of the formulation and implementation of U.S. foreign policy.
Here's how it works:
Executive branch: The State Department (part of the Executive branch) is primarily responsible for developing the U.S. policy framework toward Uganda and the crisis in the north. Within the State Department, the Bureau of African Affairs deals with issues in sub-Saharan Africa and directs all diplomatic and political endeavors in the region. The State Department engages with Uganda on a variety of issues, including the war on terror, military cooperation, and economic development and trade. Humanitarian assistance is also coordinated through the State Department's foreign aid agency (USAID), which has allocated nearly $90 million in aid to northern Uganda. Despite these relief efforts, the Bush Administration has failed to directly endorse the ongoing peace negotiations nor provide the material and diplomatic support necessary to help ensure their success.
Legislative branch: The Senate and House of Representatives have a more limited role in the development of foreign policy. Although unable to directly create policy, the two chambers still wield influence through their "power of the purse." The Constitution mandates that Congress control the budget and spending of the U.S. government, giving it the power to shape the priorities of the Administration. In relation to northern Uganda, this power is most significantly exercised through supplemental spending bills, which can fund humanitarian and development needs as they arise. Congress also has the power to pressure the Administration through resolutions and non-binding legislation, and can also hold hearings and request updates and reports from Administration officials. Because congressional representatives are directly elected and responsible to their constituents, citizens can most effectively exert pressure on this branch.
How can our government be doing more?
Currently, there is a tremendous opportunity for more responsible U.S. involvement in the crisis. The ongoing peace negotiations represent the best opportunity to end the war in over two decades and greater U.S. involvement would increase the likelihood of a facilitated settlement. Negotiations have been hindered by several stumbling blocks, including a lack of trust and accountability, factors that make greater U.S. engagement critical. Specifically, the U.S. government should:
- Dispatch a diplomat: By sending a senior diplomat to the peace talks, the U.S. could more effectively use its leverage with the warring parties to ensure that the ceasefire is respected and that the mediation team has the tools and support necessary to move the process forward.
- Amplify assistance: Increasing humanitarian aid in the region would save lives and help war-affected communities cope with the consequences of the crisis.
- Protect the people: The U.S. can use development assistance and diplomatic leverage to stop human rights abuses committed by Ugandan security forces and ensure that northern Ugandans are adequately protected.
What will it take for our government to do more?
You. As part of the American public, it will take action from people like you - people who care about what's happening in northern Uganda and who believe that our government can and should be doing more to help end the war. When we unite our voices and demand change, we create the public mandate necessary for our leaders to take action. Our collective action brings us closer to our target: peace in northern Uganda.
Can one person really make a difference?
Yes! I mean, really what else do you expect us to say here?