Kampala – As Uganda grapples with an escalating frequency of humanitarian crises, the Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS) has launched a humanitarian fund to bolster its disaster preparedness and response efforts.
The URCS Humanitarian Fund was launched during the main celebrations to mark 60 years of service to humanity by URCS since its establishment, held in Kampala on Tuesday. It seeks to shift from short-term donations and corporate social responsibility to long-term commitments that ensure sustainability.
According to Robert Kwesiga, Secretary General of URCS, the organization needs at least shs177 billion to fund its humanitarian activities next year. The funds will cater to various initiatives, including disaster preparedness and response, blood donor recruitment, and pandemics and epidemics response, among others.
Speaking during the launch, Kwesiga emphasized the need for a humanitarian fund, citing the increasing frequency of humanitarian crises both locally and globally.
“This year alone, we have responded to 18 major disasters, together with the government and other actors. And so, as the Red Cross, we are saying we can’t do business as usual; we have to change the way we engage,” said Kwesiga
He noted that the fund has already received shs215 million in cash and shs300 million in pledges from the Uganda Insurers Association.
During the Launch, Kwesiga introduced a team of five board of trustees, headed by Elly Karuhanga, former NSSF board chairman which will manage the fund.
“Individuals and organizations can contribute to the fund through various platforms including bank and mobile money services. Those who wish to contribute in kind can do so through any of the 51 URCS branches across the country or at the headquarters. Technical expertise and volunteer support are also welcome,” said Kwesiga.
URCS has a target of having at least 10% of Uganda’s population as volunteers, approximately 4 million plus Ugandans.
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja commended URCS for its commitment to providing humanitarian support to those in need.
“The Uganda Red Cross Society has been at the forefront of humanitarian action in Uganda, responding to various challenges, including natural disasters, health crises, and broader humanitarian needs,” Nabbanja said in a speech read for her by Raphael Magezi, Minister for Local Government who represented her at thr launch.
She noted that the government of Uganda will continue to support the URCS through various ministries, agencies, and departments.
The Minister for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, Eng. Hilary Onek, highlighted the challenges faced by the government in responding to disasters due to budget constraints.
“Only 3% of our national budget is designated for disaster, but of this 3%, only 15% goes towards our operations as the disaster department,” Onek said. He emphasized that the country lacks a dedicated budget for disaster management, making it difficult to plan and respond to disasters effectively.
Onek also noted that global support for humanitarian agencies has decreased significantly, with Uganda receiving only about 20% of the funding it received five years ago. “This is despite the increasing number of refugees and calamities, and the environment becoming more vicious,” Onek said.
Over six decades, the Uganda Red Cross has stood as a beacon of hope, reaching out to the most vulnerable persons among us, providing critical services during emergencies, and building resilient communities on behalf of the government and the people of Uganda. The organization’s priorities align with the national development plans, policies, and frameworks of the government.