Two Ugandas

The UN's IRIN service has a look at Uganda entitled One Country, Different Realities.

Crossing the River Nile to enter northern Uganda is more than just a visible example of the immense power of the world's longest river but is also a testimony to the divide between two versions of the same country – a war-ravaged north and a much more prosperous south.

While the south of Uganda has improved greatly during the 20 years of Yoweri Museveni's rule, the long civil war in the north of the country is home to arguably the most nightmarish conflict in the world today.

1.7 million people live a meagre, pitiful existence in overcrowded camps for the internally displaced. As a result of the insecurity plaguing the surrounding countryside, nature has reclaimed much of northern Uganda. Those living in camps scattered throughout the region - who are farmers by tradition - rely on food distributions from aid agencies, with inadequate access to clean water, proper sanitation and adequate healthcare.