Master of Pubic Health Disaster Management

Disaster is defined as a sudden overwhelming and unforeseen phenomenon. Disasters are common worldwide and their aetiologies includes natural, man-made (technological) and a hybrid of factors. The Great Lakes region of Africa, including Uganda, is prone to both man-made disasters, such as conflicts and warfare leading to massive population displacements of refugees and internally displaced persons, and natural disasters, due to effects of climate change, droughts, famine, floods, landslide, disease outbreaks as well as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Uganda faces several disasters. The common disasters include civil strife and warfare/armed conflict leading to population displacements of internally displaced persons and refugees; disease outbreaks, drought, famine, floods and landslides. Acts of international terrorism with massive casualties and deaths have occurred and pose continued threat. Despite the high incidence of a variety of disasters, the capacity to minimise risks and effectively manage and mitigate the effects of disasters remain limited in Uganda and several developing countries. Response to and management of disasters is commonly the domain of international humanitarian agencies including United Nations (UN) agencies, non-governmental humanitarian agencies (NGHAs) and international non-governmental organisations (INGOs), with limited involvement of local institutions including academic institutions in Africa and several developing countries.