Uganda Red Cross unveils the Humanitarian Response Fund to mobilize resources for emergency preparedness in Uganda.
The contributing platforms include: Finance through (Eco-Bank, MTN, and Airtel), In-kind through Branches, Volunteers, and Technical expertise among others. The target is 10% (4 Million of Uganda) volunteers of Uganda's population. 40% of humanitarian contributions come from the private sector.
Drake Nyamugabwa
On 3rd December 2024, the Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS) and its partners launched the Uganda Red Cross Humanitarian Response Fund, an initiative to raise emergency preparedness and response funds while developing resilient communities before and after disasters.
According to URCS, despite the government’s critical role in addressing humanitarian challenges, there is a need for multi-sectoral involvement to strengthen and sustain the level of preparedness, ahead of humanitarian disasters for anticipatory action to save more lives.
Hon Raphael Magyezi signs commitment.
The Prime Minister of Uganda RT. Hon. Robinah Nabanja who was represented by Hon. Raphael Magyezi, the Minister of Local Government, while launching the Humanitarian Response Fund urged Ugandans to support the Humanitarian Fund as a step towards building resilient communities and addressing humanitarian needs effectively.
While commending the Uganda Red Cross for its impactful work, the minister said that the Uganda Red Cross and the government of Uganda have long been working together on humanitarian initiatives as an auxiliary force.
“I stand here to thank the Uganda Red Cross Society and congratulate you on making 60 years in Uganda. Together, let’s build resilient communities. The alignment between Uganda Red Cross values and those of the government & and partners emphasizes the critical role of this initiative will enhancing emergency response capabilities across the country” he said
Hon. Hilary Onek
The Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness & Refugees Hon. Hilary Onek, emphasized the need for a collective response to the Humanitarian Fund and highlighted the critical role played by the Uganda Red Cross in responding to disasters across the country. He said that his department doesn’t have a budget allocated to them to plan for emergencies.
“We don't have a dedicated budget for disasters. While we have comprehensive disaster management programs, these have never been itemized into a standalone disaster budget. Out of our national budget, only 3% goes to disasters. Shockingly, just 15% of that is allocated to the Disaster Management Department. In the end, we’re left with a mere 0.45% of the budget to address disaster management effectively” he said.
During a panel discussion, the representative from the EU Uganda delegation, Mr. Rotival Bruno said while discussing the trends of humanitarian funding by development partners noted that within a competitive world, the provision of humanitarian assistance might be problematic.
He said although funding is going to be unpredictable EU is present to provide disaster responsiveness, and financial support and will remain committed to providing resources to respond to emergencies.
The Secretary-General of URCS Mr. Robert Kwesiga said that the management of the Fund will be under the leadership of the Board of Trustees to safeguard the interests of stakeholders, especially in allocating resources for urgent humanitarian needs with Price Waterhouse Coopers (PWC) to audit the fund regularly for proper accountability.
"The global mandate that we can harness is that Uganda Red Cross believes that together with you, we can make a difference and indeed, humanity needs you. Join us, and donate to save lives” he said
Mr. Robert Kwesiga
According to Mr. Robert the Humanitarian Landscape in Uganda has been that the 60 years of the Red Cross work in Uganda have been defined by trying to do more and better as a special institution mandated by the Red Cross Act (Cap 30).
Among the causes of emergencies according to Uganda Red Cross include; Pandemics, Blood shortages, Starvation, Road crashes, and Refugees, among others.
He said that the core areas that can be supported include; First Aid and Ambulance service, Blood donor recruitment, Sustainability/ climate action, Disaster preparedness, Pandemics and epidemics response, Water sanitation and hygiene, Keeping a girl in school, Youth and women empowerment, among others.
URCS’s Board of Trustees include: Chairperson Elly Karuhanga, Dr. Peter Kimbowa, , Grace Mullisa from Eco Bank, Judy Rugasira from Knight Frank, and Zhang Hao from Zhang group
The fund has so far received seed contributions amounting to UGX 215 Million from partners including Absa Bank, Mulwana Group, MYN Uganda, Electricity Regulatory Authority, among others.
Children perfoming during the launch
