Misuse of the Red Cross & Crescent emblem undermining Red Cross’s live saving mission: URCS Experts caution public.

Way back in 1964, when Uganda ratified the Geneva Convention, it became government mandate to establish Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS) to carry out its auxiliary role with one of the roles being to disseminate the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) among other duties  to ensure humanitarian support such as disaster response, alleviation support to the vulnerable communities among others.

According to the Legal Advisor of URCS Counsel Alex Muganda, among the primary roles of the auxiliary body apart from disseminating the principals, and ideals of IHL, they also assist government to follow suit.

He revealed that URCS is pushing for the amendment the URCS Act of 1964 because of the addition of more roles apart from responding to war which says necessitates it to be amended.

“By 1964, URCS’s role was mainly to respond to war, now it has expanded to include other disasters, alleviation support, among others. Government obligation is to allow URCS to operate independently in line with principals: he said.

Irene Nakasiita

During a stakeholders engagement on Humanitarian Diplomacy and Safer Access framework and the International Humanitarian Law held on 24^th February 2025 t the URCS offices on Rubaga Road, Irene Nakasiita, The Director of Communication, Research Mobilization  and Partnerships raised a concern on the misuse of the Red Cross and the Crescent emblems but the public and other entities, cautioning them to stop and divert to other health-like crosses.

She said that the misuse is creating a misunderstanding to those seeking their support thereby undermining the mandate of URCS.

“Improper use of the Red Cross and crescent emblem or color schemes that closely resemble could abuse it. Misuse of the emblem could lead to misunderstanding and uncertainty and may put people lives at risk. The Red Cross on a white background is reserved for the Red Cross Society. Hat they are doing is an imitation” she said.

Nakasiita called upon stakeholders including the Prisons officers, the Media, politicians  among to protect the emblem that saves lives and report any misuse to to the nearest Red Cross offices to safeguard humanitarian operations.

The Director, Risk Management, Mr. K. Brian urged the public to enroll as Red Cross members to add on the voluntary support from various experts.  He said there are very many opportunities when joining the society including training, internship.

 Group photo of stakeholders