Uganda National Focal Point 2004-2008

Implementation and verification

By the time the National Action Plan has been approved, and the project proposals submitted for support, it is only the start of the journey towards dealing with the problem and moving towards its resolution. Implementation needs to be monitored, and its impact verified on a constant basis to ensure that the objectives are reached through early adjustment and corrective action. The long-term commitment of all partners to the process is the only factor that will ensure successful implementation and resolution. The Implementation and Verification Plan will have to be completed shortly after the Action Plan was approved, to ensure continuity in implementation and timely verification and adjustment.

This assessment process is, therefore, a structured and tested research methodology that is undertaken jointly by government and civil society with the aim to assess:

The extent of illicit small arms penetration in society;
The impact of SALW penetration on the security, well-being, economic and development potential of society;
The mechanisms, routes, circumstances, people and organizations responsible for the proliferation, trafficking and transport of small arms and light weapons as well as the levels of ownership by both state and civilian actors.
Regulations and administrative procedures that exist to assist with law enforcement;
Functions, responsibilities and capacity of state departments and law enforcement agencies that must enforce the legislation and policies: from justice to police to immigration to customs to defence; in short, every department that can or does have a role to play in terms of trafficking and minimizing the impact of the penetration in society;
Population attitude (through weighted survey) to determine the demand factors present in society (i.e. fear, insecurity, poverty, etc), the perceptions of the latter and possible agents for change that can be utilised to remove these weapons from society;
International and regional factors to determine the requirement of international agreements, protocols, action plans, etc. on the given situation and what are the changes, actions required of the country (in relation to its own national situation, objectives, legislation, and policies);
Determination of the resources available in both government and civil society to tackle the problem immediately, and make an assessment of the capacity and other needs to implement the required action plan.

In summary, the object of the process is to provide the National Focal Point with the real supply factors, the real demand factors, real capabilities and needs existing in the country.