The Red Cross Kapelebyong HIV/AIDS Drama Group

The Humanitarian All you need to know about Uganda Red Cross Society activities October - December 2008

The Red Cross Kapelebyong HIV/AIDS drama group sensitising communities about HIV as part of URCS interventions to fight the scourge The Humanitarian October - December 2008 1 Word from the editor Contents In the month of October, African National Societies con- verged in Johannesburg for the 7th Pan African Conference. The delegates from 53 National Socieities made committments for the next 4 years and pledged to continue alleviating the suffering of the most vulnerable

Under the theme, “Together for Action in Africa, the conference focused on HIV/AIDS, Youth, Restoring Family Links, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management, Intensified capacity building for better health and care delivery. In the 4 years to come, Uganda Red Cross Society will be host- ing an African youth training centre to equip youths on the con- tinent with diversified skills.

In this issue we highlight some of the areas where Uganda’s most vulnerable people have been reached through our interventions. You will read about the HIV/AIDS project that has Page 4 given People Living with HIV/AIDS hope; the Internally Displaced People in Kasenyi who have received emergency Internally Displaced People in Kasenyi relief support; the people of Kamuli accessing safe water, the receive emergency relief items. orphans & vulnerable children that have acquired tailoring skills; election of new leaders of the National Youth Council; Entebbe Branch constructing its office; the former abducted children in Northern Uganda recieving psychosocial project; the volunteers that retrieved bodies from a collapsed building in Kampala and many more.

On a sad note, we lost one of our officers Mr. Abdul Masaba in a terrible road accident on Kampala-Jinja highway.

As we come to the end of 2008, we extend our gratitude to all local and international partners that have supported us. MERRY XMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR Editorial team: Design and layout; Catherine Ntabadde, Public Relations Officer

Editorial adviser; Hasifa Kabejja, Assistant Communications Page 12 Officer Entebbe Branch starts office Photos by Catherine Ntabadde, Hasifa Kabejja, Charles construction Nsamba, Public Relations volunteer The Humanitarian is a quar- Our Mission Our Vision terly publication of the To improve the quality An empowered, healthy Uganda Red Cross Society. of life of the most vul- and self-sustaining Please do not hesistate to nerable people in contact us inaase of any community that Uganda as an effective input or contribution to this and efficient humani- responds to the needs newsletter:. Emails: tarian organization of the vulnerable [email protected]; [email protected]. 2 The Humanitarian October -DDecember 2008 Amuria sub branch/Soroti/Katakwi branches HIV/AIDs home based care project: What beneficiaries say! IN December 2008, Uganda Red RedCross.me was used to buy chicken layers and Cross Society's HIV/AIDS Home When I tested positive, I was in shock. now I sell the eggs. Before Red Cross' Care Project in Amuria district, There was a lot of stigma at the time intervention, the situation was dif- Eastern Uganda will be ending. but when the Red Cross project start- ficult. I Uganda Red Cross with support ed, things changed. People were always was from the Norwegian Red Cross has invited to workshops and we learnt to been implementing the home care open up. The home care facilitators based project since 2002. have been very helpful. The stigma has Catherine Ntabadde talked to reduced. URCS has strong partnership some of the beneficiaries about the with Aids Information Center, Uganda projectCares and Health center 4 here in that when the project closes, arrangements Johnson Ocung , Akilenga Village, have been made for us to continue Amuro Stella Obalanga Sub County-"Through the receiving ARVs. being discriminated at home, I didn't Red Cross, com- have anyone to counsel me. I lacked munities have Aiyo Grace, Oditel village, my own income. I got the courage to been mobilized Kapelebyong Sub County- test and decided to live positively. At to go for "The HIV project has educat- first I feared to come out publicly but Voluntary ed me about Voluntary the Red Cross volunteers instilled in Counseling and Counselling and Testing. I me the courage. The community is not Testing. People accepted to test and now I am discriminating us now, because Red now freely living positively. Before Red Cross held many public campaigns come out and Johnson Ocung Cross started this project, there wasn't against discrimination in markets, accept their HIV status. We have also any intervention in HIV/AIDS. So churches, schools, meetings and in received food from the project and many of us have tested positive and even people's homes. Cross held many some beneficiaries are running income we hope Red Cross public awareness sessions. generating activities using the money can extend the provided by Red Cross. I am happy to project so that it Omoding James, Apopong Village, have benefited from this project. takes on new Kapelebyong Sub County-"I took long people in the to accept my HIV status. I was bedrid- Odulai Nobert, Aojangur village, other areas so that den. The Red Cross home care facilita- Obalanga Sub County-"I joined the other people can tors kept on counseling me and they Aiyo Grace project in 2004. Red Cross has been benefit the way we encouraged me to go for a test. The providing food, Voluntary Counselling benefited, because we had lost hope results came out positive but the home and Testing services. They even always but now we are hopeful, especially care facilitators counseled me. My transport me from my vil- with knowledge, skills and IGAs given mind was set and I didn't have any lage to Soroti to us by Red Cross." more worries. I received non food to get items like saucepans, mugs, plates, ARVs. I Amuro Stella, Oditel village, blankets, mosquito nets and nutrition- also Kapelebyong Sub County- "Through al food. Red Cross has a partnership received this project, I have received treatment. with Uganda Cares and normally I am mosquito I was given mosquito nets, blankets, transported to Uganda Cares in Soroti nets, blan- food, polythene sheet. I also benefited to access ARVs. My weight has now kets and from the income generating pro- increased from 48-58kgs. Odulai Nobert other items from gramme. The money Red Cross gave Turn to page 3 The Humanitarian October- December 2008 3 Beneficiaries’ say on the URCS HIV/AIDS Project in Amuria From Page 2 from this project is loaned to members zVoluntary Counselling and Testing of the group for self sustenance. zFighting stigma and discrimination I also benefited Before the Red Cross came to support zProvision of ARVs from the us, I saw people dieing because they zProvision of transport income were not willing to come out openly. zIntensive awareness through gener- They could not access medical and Information, Education and ating counseling services. Communication materials, drama, activity. home visits. I now Lawrence Mallinga, Apopong village, buy chick- Kapelebyong Sub County-"At the What the beneficiaries enjoyed most en beginning, I had fear because I didn't about the Home Care Project: know the disease I was suffering from. zEffective Referrals to health centres from the Omoding James When the Red Cross project started, and hospitals villages and I the home care facilitators and volun- zPsychosocial support sell it in the market. This money has teers counseled me and encouraged zIncome generating activities helped me look after my children. "If me to go for testing. I tested positive zNon food items Red Cross succeeds in convincing and accepted the results. I learnt to live zNutritional food Government or other partners to give positive with support from the volun- zHome care facilitators and volun- us ARVs at Kapelebyong Health cen- teers and now I am healthy. Red Cross teers for the sensitization about ter 4, then most challenges will have has saved my life because I was at the HIV/AIDS. been solved, since the place is very dieing stage. The community is not zProviding transport to Uganda Cares near," Omoding said. discriminating me now as before and I to access ARVs am actively involved in community zCreation of a 'new home' within Apiyo Alice, Kapelebyong village, work, and I am now respected. URCS. The staff, volunteers and home Kapelebyong Sub County and a mem- care facilitators of Red Cross are very ber of KUG, - According to the beneficiaries in friendly and we are now part of the After Red Kapelebyong Sub County, some of the Red Cross family. Cross discov- achievements of URCS HIV project zReceiving of condoms and knowl- ered the are: edge on how to use them from URCS. Kapelebyong zPsychosocial support zAcquiring knowledge and informa- United Group zmproved health status tion on HIV/AIDS, how to take pre- (KUG), we were zImproved standards of living Apiyo Alice cautionary measures during sexual given more money because beneficiaries are earning intercourse, balanced diet, non sharing for income generating activity. The incomes from the Income Generating of sharp objects. group sells fish. The money we get Activity money provided by URCS. zParticipating in the URCS drama

HIV/AIDS AT WORKPLACE HIV program improves lives of PLWHIV By Sam Mugisha -m the URCS home care facilita- g an ambulance to take her to the During my interaction with People Living tors. Not to be forgotten is the hospital at the time when she was with HIV(PLWHIV) in Kampala South component of Income critically sick and further still Branch, I discovered that majority of them Generating Activity funds that has when she was discharged the have been able to open up and live positively, enabled many of the clients to run ambulance was available to take thanks to the Uganda Red Cross HIV some businesses. Partnerships her home. Program. They say, the program has greatly with other service providers have improved their lives. enabled them to access ARVs The nutritional support extended which URCS doesn’t provide. One to the clients has made them have They have received psychosocial support fro- client cherished URCS for releasin health bodies 4 The Humanitarian October - December 2008 Relief Operation-Internally Displaced People (IDP) IDPS in Kasenyi receive relief items

The Langi and better." Acholi IDPs left their home- Mr. Okiri said it was not until the gov- seven ernment banned use of all illegal fishing years nets that life began to lose meaning. "All ago our nets were regarded illegal and we due could not do business anymore. We to could not afford to buy food. Diseases the like malaria and cholera set in but we could not afford medical treatment, and so far, seven of our people have died. We had to start selling off all the prop- erty we had acquired like mattresses and Lord's other household items at a very cheap Resistance cost so that we could get money for Army insur- food," he said. gency and settled on A URCS Mukono branch volunteer handing over items to Kome Mr. Okiri said he sold off a new mat- a beneficiary. Looking on is Mr. Vincent Odoch Disaster Island in tress he had bought at Shs50,000 just at Management Regional Programme Officer-Gulu region. Mukono Shs15,000, so as to buy drugs for his District. But they were daughter. "Even as I speak now, I don't recently forced to vacate the island due have a single penny because even the lit- By Charles Nsamba to its temporary closure by thegovern- tle I had saved, I used it for transport ment, citing use of poor fishing nets by while trying to contact the Office of the ASK and you shall be given; this is what the refugees. Prime Minister and Uganda Red Cross the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) for assistance. from Acholi and Lango regions living at One of the IDPs who received the Kasenyi Landing Site did and Uganda relief assistance narrates his ordeal and Mr. Okiri said most IDPs are willing to Red Cross Society (URCS) together appreciates Uganda Red Cross for go back home, though some of the with the Office of the Prime Minister always helping the vulnerable. Acholi refused to move along with responded by providing the necessary "I came to Kampala aboard a produce them. support..truck in 2002, to live with my He thanked Uganda Red Cross Society Uganda Red Cross on request of the brother in Mbuya," for helping them to resettle and Office of the Prime Minister provided start a new life. over 70 families with non food items Mr. Okiri Geoffrey, the General which included blankets, tarpaulins, Secretary of the Lango Island cooking pots, cups, plates and jerricans Association narrates. "Two weeks later, my brother URCS also offered to transport those informed me that he could who were ready to go back to their not afford to look after me homes. The Office of the Prime any longer, and requested Minister on the other hand provided me to look for somewhere food items which included maize flour to stay." and beans. "Life on the island was The distribution exercise, which was very good and we all conducted by officers from the Disaster made enough money to Management department and volun- buy all that we needed and also educate teers from Mukono branch on 15th our children. We gained a lot of October, took place at Kasenyi Landing experience while there and indeed, A beneficiary after receiving non Site, off Entebbe Road. life became food items from Uganda Red Cross The Humanitarian October- December 2008 5 Kampala Central Branch Red Cross retrives bodies from collapsed building

By Hasifa Kabejja Road Safety, Mr. Paul Okot, who headed the URCS team, commended the spirit of voluntarism the volunteers por- WHENEVER accidents occur at construction sites in the trayed throughout the operation. He said it is through country, Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS) moves fast to such operations that people get to know what URCS does administer first aid to save lives of victims. But for the and its image is boosted. accident that occurred at the construction site of the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) pension building in Mr. Okot cautioned the volunteers to always be alert, say- Kampala in October, URCS was not able to offer the ing such emergencies do not warn before they occur. services (first aid) as eight of the nine victims had already The NSSF operation was not the first experience for died. after being burried by rubbles of a collapsed wall. URCS. The National Society has engaged in several operations of the kind. They include the rescue of victims of The accident occurred after an excavated wall of the the collapsed City of the Lord Church building at NSSF building collapsed on the workers of Roko Kalerwe, a Kampala suburb in 2006 and victims of the Construction Company. The excavated wall was reported- collapsed Bwebajja building. URCS also swung into action ly weak. early this year to save victims of the building at Nalya SS, Kampala East that col- Even without anyone to administer first aid to, the URCS lapsed rescue team comprising volunteers from Kampala Central killing and Kampala East branches and some headquarter staff 11 peo- did not leave the accident scene. The team helped to exca- ple. vate and take the victims to Mulago Hospital Mortuary.

A somber mood hang around the scene as the URCS team carried bodies of the dead to ambulances. Relatives and friends of the deceased could not hold back tears as they watched their loved ones being retrieved from a huge pile of soil that collapsed on them.

URCS Kampala Central volunteers at the excava- The Programme Officer First Aid, Emergency Health and tion site on Lumumba Avenue, Kampala.

Iganga/Kamuli/Tororo Branches Immunisation campaign intensfiied in Eastern Uganda By Charles Nsamba -kage to promote health seeking entails information dissemination behaviour among the commu- geared at mobilising communities UGANDA Red Cross Society (URCS) under nities in the project area. to take all children under five years its immunization and malaria programme has for immunization. conducted social mobilization for routine The activity, aimed at reducing immunization and malaria sensitization in the morbidity and mortality due to In another development, over 2000 most affected branches of Iganga, Mayuge, immunizable preventable dis- mosquito nets have been procured Kamuli and Tororo. eases has been running in three and are to be distributed to expec- This has increased the level of awareness selected sub counties of each of tant mothers and children below among the people and immunisation as a pac- the selected branches. It mainly- five years 6 The Humanitarian October - December 2008 Pan African Conference By Catherine Ntabadde African National Societies Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS) was among the 53 African National Red Cross and Red make new commitments Crescent Societies that attended the 7th Pan African Conference from October 19-23, 2008. The national societies were reflecting on the current humanitarian prior- ities in Africa and to set the agen- da for the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement the four years to come.

Observers from a number of National Societies outside the region, the International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC) and the International Committee of the Red Cross Mr. Shaban Mawanda of URCS and also Federation Youth Member reading attended. About 350 participants the Pan African youth resolutions on behalf of African youths. attended.

The theme for the year is "Together National Youth Council Mr. tainable livelihood of communities. for Action in Africa" and the following Hannington Ssegirinya, Public topics were discussed: Relations Officer Ms. Catherine Members of the "Resourcing commu- Ntabadde and Mr. Shaban Mawanda, nity action" session concluded that zInfectious diseases with special Risk Reduction Officer (IFRC Youth Red Cross and Red Crescent actions in emphasis on HIV/AIDS. Member). URCS also chaired the first support of vulnerable people are facil- zVolunteer management with special PAC youth meeting itated by the specific and distinctive emphasis on youth. (URCS presented partnership they enjoy with govern- a paper) Under the sub theme, "Communities ments through their auxiliary status zRising challenges through increased in Action" participants noted the need and through the respect the emblems migration with special emphasis on for national societies to focus their obtain in all communities. Restoring Family Links. efforts in promoting skills at the com- zBuilding sustainable livelihoods munity level to cope with disasters and The cross-cutting issues were zConflict/violence in urban settings to roll out programmes where needed International Humanitarian Law zDisaster risk reduction and manage- to strengthen community health, (IHL), Building partnerships and ment with special emphasis on climate respect for diversity, human dignity alliances, accountability and owner- change. (URCS presented a paper) and humanitarian values. ship. zIntensified capacity building for better health and care delivery. (URCS Delegates who discussed the sub URCS exhibited Information, presented a paper) theme, "Promoting community Education and Communication mate- zAuxiliary role of National Societies. resilience" argued that while external rials, documentaries, photographs zInternational Disaster Response Law support for vulnerable people is essen- highlighting its activities for the differ- (IDRL). tial, it must be accompanied by pro- ent programmes it undertakes. grams which help the communities to Check our archives section on URCS was represented by the be self-reliant. They noted that Red www.redcrossug..org for details of the PAC resolutions and commit- Chairman Central Governing Board Cross Red Crescent grassroots' pres- ments and the PAC youth resolu- Mr. Tom Buruku, Secretary General ence and auxiliary role provides a tions. Mr. Michael Nataka, Chairman unique opportunity to promote sus The Humanitarian October -DDecember 2008 7 Lira/Gulu Branches sports like football, netball, volleyball and music and drama activities as a way of Psychosocial project reforming keeping the beneficiaries busy.

"I participate in all the music and drama ex-abducted children activities and I also play netball. I now freely By Catherine Ntabadde interact with people IF it was not for the Uganda People's because the Defence Forces (UPDF), she probably Red Cross would be dead by now. Imagine a life has coun- where all the time you are walking, on selled the run, fighting and feeding on red me," pepper and cassava leaves for almost a Akao year. As if that is not enough, for the says. whole one year, you are given the respon- Asked sibility of looking after children of how she Uganda's rebel leader Joseph Kony in addi- thinks tion to undertaking several chores. her future That is the life Evelyn Akao, 16, had to live will until the UPDF rescued her in 2004 at the be, Akao boarder of Gulu in Northern Uganda and sheds tears saying she Sudan. The Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) Evelyn beautifying thinksthe veranda she has of no her future hut inbecause Aloi, Lira.she is not in rebels abducted her in 2003 from her village in Aloi school. She however hastens to add that she is happy Sub County, Lira district. From her village, the rebels adduct- to be back home. ed 13 people and only two people, her and a brother are alive. Her both parents were also killed. URCS trained the community counsellors to ensure that the beneficiaries' lives are improved. When the dark skinned stout Akao returned to her village in 2004, she was anti social and would hardly speak to anyone. In As for 10 year old Mark Otiti, his main chore in the fact if a person approached her, she would run away. This is a bush was to beat other children that tried to escape result of the trauma she experienced while in the bush with and to fetch water. He was also not spared of the the rebels. beating when he tried to escape.

Akao is not alone! She is among thousands of former abduct- Abducted in June 2005, Otiti was rescued from ed children now settling back in their communities in Gulu, Sudan in April 2006 by the UPDF. "If you refused Lira, Kitgum and Pader Districts, all in Northern Uganda. to beat the children, they would beat you instead. In the area I was, there were many children especially Akao who stays with a guardian can now freely narrate her those aged between 15-18 but we also had children story as a result of Uganda Red Cross Society's (URCS) psy- aged between 5-14 years. I always wanted to come chosocial project implemented in Lira and Gulu districts. back home but it was difficult to escape," Otiti Because of the counselling she is receiving from URCS' com- explains munity volunteer counsellors, Akao has learnt to socialise and interact with other children. Otiti who wants to become an international journal- ist is happy that URCS has come out to support Thanks to the Finnish Red Cross which has enabled URCS them. Otiti stays with both her parents, who he says reach out to 320 war affected children in the two districts. since his return, the parents follow him wherever he Under the project, URCS undertakes one to one counselling goes. "This project is very of the beneficiaries, home visits to follow up the beneficiary, helpful. Turn to page 10 8 The Humanitarian July - September 2008 1 2

1. First Aid, Road safety & Emergency Helath officer Mr. Paul Okot with Kampala Central branch volunteers carrying a dead body at an NSSF building whose wall collapsed while under construction.

2. A cross section of youth members during the election of members of the National Youth Council in Mukono.

3. URCS representatives to the Pan African Conference (October 19-23, 2008) L-R Mr. Shaban Mawanda-Risk Reduction Officer/Federation Youth member, Ms. Catherine Ntabadde -Public Relations Officer, Mr. Tom Buruku-Chairman Central Governing Board, Mr. Michael Nataka-Acting Secretary General and Mr. Hannington Segirinya-Chairman National Youth Council.

4. Volunteers of Mukono branchdistributing emergency relief items to students of Seeta High School. One of the dormitories at the school caught fire.

5. Former abducted children in Lira district playing netball as part of the URCS psychosocial programme in Northern Uganda. The programme entails extra cir- riculum activities which includes games to refresh their minds.

6.Kinkizi link Music, Dance and Drama members per- form to communities in Rukungiri branch. The Humanitarian October-DDecember 2008 9 Reaching out to those in need

5 6 10 The Humanitarian October -DDecember 2008 Rukungiri Branch Rukungiri holds youth fan fellowship By Cadet Benjamin nursing schools emerged the best in music. The best indi- RUKUNGIRI Branch held a youth vidual performance was from fan fellowship in which over 300 Ayume from Makobore High youths from 10 links participated. school youth link.

The purpose of the fellowship was to The activity took place at St promote friendship among the youth Geralds School in Rukungiri in Rukungiri and Kanungu districts town. through music, dance, drama, poem The Rukungiri Branch Field and comedy. Coordinator, Mr. Benjamin Cadet, urged the youth to The branch youth music group also always adhere to the Red participated in the festival and Cross principles. All the par- emerged the best performers of the ticipating links agreed to par- day. The Rukungiri out of school link ticipate again in the fellowship. emerged the best in drama while the Rukungiri Branch field coordinator Mr. Cadet Benjamin Karoli Lwanga and North Kigezi disseminating to Nyakabugo girls students in Rukungiri

Red Cross Pyschosocial project changing lives From page 7 unicate with others and also be able to live a normal life and forget about the past. Okori was abducted I have received a lot of information from the volunteers and and turned into a child solider of the LRA. He how- the counselling sessions have made a difference in my life. The ever did not want to surrender when the UPDF sur- counselling has enabled me get used to the com- rounded him. He decided to run upon seeing the munities and contin- Ugandan Army. The UPDF pursued him until he ue enjoying my surrendered and was returned home. Okori insists life as a child. I she wants to be a soldier but with the right army and play football and not the rebels. volleyball with Okori helps his family with chores at home. other Red Cross children in the According to the Branch Field Coordinator URCS project," Otiti says. Lira Branch Mr. Albino Odongo, the war has had many negative impacts on the community where the He is very excited to population was displaced. have received a "The mind of the children and adults changed due URCS t-shirt with to the change in environment, culture and social words, "Promoting Otiti (in white shirt) digging with a behaviour,” Odongo says. our children's brother at their home garden. potential The Programme Officer Community Development through psychosocial support." All the children and par- Mr. Alex Ssimbwa says the project implementation ents/guardians under the project have received t-shirts. will be reviewed to assess the effects and impact of Akao and Otiti want the project to be implemented for a long the current approach URCS is using. time because many children have been traumatised by the war. The project empowers guardians/parents of the Maurice Okori, 16, a former child soldier with the rebels says project children to start up income generating the psychosocial project has equiped him with skills to comm- activites in groups, according to Ssimbwa. The Humanitarian July - September 2008 11 Harm Reduction/Drug Abuse URCS staff trained in harm reduction The team had a chance to visit and check out the services Italian Red Cross is running as part of its Harm Reduction Programme. At Villa Maraini, drug addicts are given a new life through drug rehabili- tation therapies. The services include resi- dential and out- patient services in addition to running two 'camper vans' Participants during the Harm Reduction training at the Villa Maraini centre in Rome. where drug addicts are given new By Catherine Ntabadde syringes, a move aimed at reducing Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS) is among the 5 African National HIV/AIDS infections among drug users. Societies that have benefited from the 12th Harm Reduction Training by Italian Red Cross (IRC) and Fondazione Villa Maraini. Fondazione As a way forward from the training, all Villa Maraini was set up in 1976 as a joint venture with the Italian Red National Societies represented were tasked to Cross by Dr. Massimo Barra, President Italian Red Cross. incorporate harm reduction programs in their unning programmes. The training is part of the activities to kick start URCS' engagement in Harm Reduction program. Other national societies that participated in URCS' Secretary General Mr. Michael Nataka the training are Kenya Red Cross Society, Tanzania Red Cross Society, is optimistic that taking on harm reduction Botswana Red Cross Society and Mauritius Red Cross Society. URCS programme will increase URCS' operations, was represented by Mr. Prosper Byonanebye (HIV/AIDS National hence continuing to reach out to a specific Programme Officer), Mr. Levi Byaruhanga (Programme Officer-Youth vulnerable group in Uganda, the drug users. and Volunteer Management), Ms. Catherine Ntabadde (Public Relations Officer), Ms. Juliet Kiyimba (Branch Field Coordinator- In July, Uganda Red Cross was privileged to Kampala North) and Mr. George Nkugwa (Branch Field Coordinator- host the Eastern and Southern conference on Kampala East). Humanitarian Drug Policy in Entebbe. The meeting was the second conference to be Participants where taken through: organized for the African region following Who drug users are; Street drugs; Clinic service; TB and HIV/AIDS in the Rome Consensus. The first meeting was drug users; The IFRC Global Alliance; Objectives in Harm reduction; held in December 2007 in Cape Verde for the The outreach work; Why drug users share injections?; Why do many West and Central African regions. governments not want to run Harm Reduction Programmes.

A delegate at the 7th Pan African Conference vis- iting a URCS Disseminating to stu- exhibition stall dents in Kamuli. in Johanessburg. The Humanitarian October - December 2008 12 Entebbe Branch Entebbe embarks on construction of office building By Hasifa Kabejja He also thanked Entebbe Municipal cost Shs44 million and it is expected to council for accepting to offer land to end next month. If all goes well, the ENTEBEE branch has started con- the branch. branch will shift to the new premises structing an office building on the land next month. that was offered to it by Entebbe "When the branch had just started, Municipal council. The plot of land is activities were not regular, but now the During the ceremony, a variety of located on Barkley Road, Plot 1A in branch has advanced since there are a items including art crafts were auc- Entebbe Municipality. variety of activities going on in the tioned to fundraise for the building. The branch is currently housed at the area and therefore the need for the Shs950,000 was raised in cash and Entebbe Grade A Hospital. Red Cross to be around to manage dis- Shs2 million in pledges from contribu- asters. Accidents can't be ruled out as tions made by the area residents The office building that is estimated to many people keep coming to the area including the BGB Chairman, Mr. cost Shs550 million, will house a to have fun at the various beaches. Kawuma, the Managing Director of restaurant, accommodation apart- Entebbe Road is Kisubi Studio, Tusitukirewamu ments, canteen, public clinic and a also the Women Group and students conference hall to act as income gen- main and teachers of Entebbe erating projects for the branch to route Parents School. reduce donor dependency. to The Head of Human Speaking at the ground Resource, Ms. Esther breaking/fundraising ceremony on the Ssekiziyivu, who represented 11th October, the Uganda Red Cross air- the Secretary General, said the Society Central Governing Board port," branch had been given a motor- Chairman, Mr. Tom Buruku, paid trib- Mr. cycle to ease transport. ute to the Entebbe Branch members, URCS CGB Board Chairman particularly the Branch Governing Mr. Buruku laying the founda- URCS school links in Entebbe and the Board (BGB) Chairman, Mr. tion for Entebbe branch office. Branch Governing Board members. Mohammed Kawuma, for their efforts Buruku said. Students treated guests to various train acquiring the land. The first phase of the building will ditional dances. and plays.

Youth By Charles Nsamba National Youth Council elect leaders UGANDA Red Cross Society Governing Board (CGB). The CGB Chairman, Mr. Tom youth recently elected new mem- Buruku, commended the youth for bers to the National Youth Council Speaking at the function, the Acting their efforts towards improving the (NYC) executive for the period Secretary General, Mr. Michael National Society. 2008-2010. The election took place Nataka, challenged the youth to during the Youth Annual General always develop ideas that propel the "Uganda Red Cross is what it is Meeting at the National Agricultural National Society to the next level. because of the energies of young Research Organization center in people like you. You have always Mukono. Mr. Nataka revealed that the URCS been our strength in our operations Mr. Hannington Segirinya was re- management and the board are in to mitigate human suffering espe- elected the National Youth Council the process of acquiring 15 more cially in times floods, Ebola and Chairman while Ms. Aguminitwe acres of land next to the National cholera outbreaks and other emer- Apophia from Bushenyi was elected youth center in Mukono. The land gencies," he said. The meeting was the new vice chairperson and will be for the youth projects. attended by over 90 youth leaders female representative to the Central from the 50 Red Cross branches. The Humanitarian October -DDecember 2008 13 Mbale Region Mbale Region coordinating disasters in Eastern Uganda By Charles Nsamba trained for this task and an assessment food security economic security, fuel was conducted in seventeen districts of and future construction purposes. Karamoja and Teso sub regions. It In 2007, Eastern Uganda emerged as was revealed that over 163,862 house- In the area of health, the Disaster the most disaster affected area, as a holds were at high risk, incase this dis- Management and Health and Care result of the floods occurrence. The aster occurred again. departments worked closely to ensure region has continued to experience promotion of hygiene within the other disasters like the armed incur- Under the floods recovery pro- region, following a recent cholera out- sions, landslides and internal displace- gramme break in Pallisa, Mbale and Tororo. A ments. total of 147 community volunteers have been trained to sensitize the Through all this, Uganda Red Cross communities about good sanita- Society has taken the lead in helping tion practices. Further still, Red the situation, through its nationwide Cross sensitization materials have branch network and committed volun- been distributed among the com- teer base to alleviate the suffering of munities to educate them about the most vulnerable. URCS through proper hygiene. its Mbale region in particular has been very instrumental in coordinating dis- Uganda Red Cross image has aster management activities within the improved as a result of the Society's region. One of the distribution exercises. contribution towards alleviating the suffering of the mot vulnerable in the During the national contingency plan- which has just ended, URCS with sup- communities. This was noted during ning meeting held recently at the port from its partners constructed 7, the regular stake holders' coordination Office of the Prime Minister in 191 floods resistant huts in Katakwi meetings with district authorities in the Kampala, Uganda Red Cross was and Amuria districts. As part of the various branches within Mbale region. assigned the task of conducting pre shelter strategy, a total of 20,000 tree This has further helped to strengthen floods assessment and monitoring and fruit seedlings were distributed in the partnership and networks with the progress of anticipated occurrence of Amuria and Katakwi in targeted government and other stakeholders, floods during the period September- schools and households and this was particularly in the field of disaster November 2008. Seven Branch Field geared towards the establishment of management. Coordinators and 36 volunteers were woodlots, environmental protection,

OBITUARY

NOVEMBER 17, 2008 was a very sad day for the Uganda Red Cross family. Uganda’s road carnage did not spare one of its dedicated staff, Mr. Abdul Masaba. Masaba was the programme officer for Immunisation and Malaria Control at the headquarters.

Mr. Masaba died in a road accident at Bulyatante on Jinja road, after Lugazi when a Mbale bound bus corrided with a truck loaded with cement.

The late Abdul. Masaba He joined URCS in 1994 as Programme Assistant of Mbale Red Cross Division. In 1997, he was appointed Branch Field Coordinator, Mbale. In 1999, Masaba became the Blood Donor Recruitment Regional Field Officer Mbale and later on Jinja region before he joined headquarters in 2005. May his soul rest in eternal peace. 14 The Humanitarian October -DDecember 2008 Kampala-Vocational Award Board Chairman wins Rotary Award Dreams Real for By Catherine Ntabadde the world's chil- The Rotary Club of Kiwatule has dren, in line with awarded Mr. Tom Buruku, Uganda this Year's Rotary Red Cross Society Board chairman theme," she said. the 2008 Vocational Award. Mr. Wycliff The President of the club Ms. Cathy Mulindwa Rotary Nassali said Rotary clubs select and Country chair award a deserving personality in their handed over the local communities who use their award to Mr. vocation in an exemplary manner in Buruku on Mr. Buruku CGB Board Chairman receiving award the areas of mankind. November 12, 2008 from Mr. Mulindwa as Ms. Nassali looks on. at Kabira Country Uganda Red Cross," Buruku said. "It is from the above that the board Club in Kampala. Mulindwa said He told Rotarians that Uganda Red of the Rotary Club of Kiwatule con- Rotarians use their vocations to Cross Society will continue reaching sidered you among the best candi- enhance capacities of their clubs. out to those in need. Mr. Buruku dates who would suit the ideals men- Mr. Buruku said he has been a volun- informed guests that the Ombachi tioned. The club assembly duly teer with Red Cross for 40 years. "It massacre in Arua, where he hails endorsed the board's decision and is an honour to receive such an from prompted him to join the Red agreed that you be awarded the 2008 award. I receive this award on behalf Cross. He lost relatives in the clashes. Vocational Service Award for making of over 200, 000 volunteers of the

Mpigi Branch Red Cross shines at Safe Motherhood Day celebrations By Ivan Luwaga Mpigi Branch offered First Aid and such as HIV/AIDS, malaria among Uganda Red Cross Society Mpigi others. Ambulance services. Branch participated in the Safe Motherhood Day National The First Aid Team com- Cerebrations in Buwama Sub-county prised Red Cross First on October 17, 2008. Aiders, medical staff from Nkozi Hospital, The theme of the day was "Family Gombe, Hospital and Planning Promotes and Improves the Mpigi Health Center. Quality of Life". The occasion was presided over by the First Lady Hon The Branch exhibited Janet Museveni. brochures, handouts and posters about Red Cross Safe Motherhood is geared to improv- activities and also worked with ing the health status of mothers and the Uganda Blood Transfusion babies by improving key components A medical staff offering services in Mpigi Services (UBTS) in conducting of safe motherhood. This is achieved a blood donor bleeding ses- through education, nutrition, prenatal sion. Uganda Red Cross Society tent services, antenatal services, quality This year's cerebrations attracted over as well hosted Voluntary Counseling labour services, postnatal services, and 2000 people with more than 40 and Testing (VCT) for HIV services other health services for conditions exhibitors. Uganda Red Cross Society conducted by Gombe Hospital. The Humanitarian October -DDecember 2008 15 Kampala East/Lira/Apac/Arua/Luweero branches orphans and vulnerable children acquire tailoring skills By Prosper Byonanebye & OVC skilled in different specialties living a happy life while continuing Catherine Ntabadde (tailoring, hair dressing, carpentry, with her studies at primary level. bee keeping, brick laying) according Apart from economic empower- 1, 200 Orphans and Vulnerable to their abilities and community ment; psycho social support (memo- Children (OVC) from Uganda Red market feasibility for improved ry work & counseling) ; health pro- Cross branches of Kampala East, house hold incomes. grams (immunisation, malaria con- Luweero, Arua and Apac have grad- trol; hygiene through home visits), uated in tailoring. The graduates will The selection criteria was for ages educational support; nutritional sup- receive tailoring machines and kits 14-17 a and in line with the port ( home gardens; agricultural to start self empowerment initia- 2004/2005 OVC policy, plan of tives. action and tool kit. The community based OVC advocacy committees 75 of these are from Kampala East have played a big role in ensuring branch. In addition, 4,800 OVC that the economic empowerment of have been supported to acquire self OVC is successful undertaken. empowerment skills and tools in the last three years. Various testimonies of positive In 2007; 1,000 OVCs graduated in change in income and hope have Masindi, Hoima, Nebbi and Arua. been registered in Apac, Kitgum, In 2006; 2600 OVC graduated in Lira, Kamuli by OVC that benefited Kampala East Branch volunteers diffrent skills from Kamuli, Kumi, in 2006. In Lira, two mothers who arranging the sewing machines. Soroti, Kabeiramaido, Katakwi, were bedridden at the time have inputs); have been extended to these Lira, Kitgum and Gulu. since regained their strength after house holds; with the community accessing ARVs from Lira Hospital. OVC committees (PMCs), taking a Uganda Red Cross Society 3 year lead in advisory and sustainability focus on out of school youth from They are now engaging in produc- initiatives. child headed families; mainly due to tive activities. The daughter of one of the beneficiaries in Lira has also It is hoped that 2,800 OVC will HIV/AIDS or war have seen 4800 started accessing ARVs and she is acquire skills in 2009 through URCS.

Kamuli branch Water springs constructed in Kamuli By Charles Babiga tory Hygiene and Sanitation The assessment also showed that Transformation groups in water community members didn't know that Uganda Red Cross through the Kamuli and sanitation and hygiene pro- poor water sanitation and hygiene Branch has constructed two springs in motion. The groups are conduct- were a source of ill health, poverty the water and sanitation project area to ing hygiene sensitization sessions and economic distress. reduce hygiene related infections. The in the project area. springs have been constructed in In addition, a total of 1,200 mosquito Buduuli village in Kisozi Sub County URCS started the water and sani- nets have also been distributed in the and Bulondo A village in Nyawango tation project in 2007 after realiz- project area to prevent malaria among Sub County. The project area covers ing that the area had low water residents and social mobilization for Bugulumbya, Kisozi and Nyawango sub coverage. From the assessment routine immunization has been con- counties. conducted by Uganda Red Cross, ducted in 18 sub counties including a village has only two water Kidera, Bugaya, Buyende and Kigulu. The branch has also trained 20 Participa sources. The Humanitarian October -DDecember 2008 16 Shelter Fund Internally Displaced returnees to get shelter By Hasifa Kabejja assured partners and representatives Mrs. Museveni said the desire of of corporate organizations that dona- URCS is to ensure that people affect- Uganda Red Cross Society plans to tions reach recipients. He said URCS ed by disasters are helped to regain support 800-1,000 households of received a certificate of good account- normal life by constructing houses for internally displaced people with flood ability.them and providing other forms of resistant houses. The districts to bene- relief, but the task is overwhelming, fit include Kitgum, Pader and Gulu. The Secretary General, Mr. Michael hence the appeal to people of good The National Society through its Richard Nataka, said vulnerabilities will to work with it. fundraising drives like the Golf continue and keep changing and this Tournament, the MTN Marathon and requires a concerted effort to mitigate "All of us prayed and agonized for the Annual Fundraising Dinner that their impact. He appealed to the part- almost two decades over the war in was held on 15th November, hopes to ners to continue supporting URCS to the North. We watched with increduli- raise Shs300 million for the construc- enable it meet its objectives. ty the kind of pain human beings tion of modest homes at Shs370,000 could inflict on one another with each. This will give returning mothers, The First Lady in a speech read by the impunity. So our relief and gratitude their children, orphans and the elderly Prime Minister commended URCS to God for ending the atrocities need the basic social security to enable for its selfless work. "How many times to go beyond signs and words into them get on with life. have we watched on screens from the tangible action," she said. comfort of our lounges, vehicles bear- Speaking at the Annual Fundraising ing the indelible Red Cross and Red She thanked the URCS partners and Dinner that was held under a theme Crescent speeding through crossfire, corporate organizations for the relent- "donate a house, prepare for disaster", to save lives of people they have never less support in the alleviation of the Chairman Central Governing seen from the battle fronts?, she ques- human suffering. Board, Mr. Tom Buruku, commended tioned. the government for ensuring that there is peace in the north to enable the return of internally displaced people to their homes after 20 years of the Lord's Resistance Army insur- gency.

He also thanked URCS partners and corporate organizations for their support toward the National Society's activities. "I am hopeful that through the good partnership, we shall be able to build capacity to respond to disasters," he said.

A number of organizations made contributions in cash and kind towards the shelter fund. Several items including an art piece and Liverpool T-shirts were auctioned during the dinner to raise funds for the shelter initiative. Mr. Buruku said the National Society will set up a disaster centre to train The Prime Minister Rt. Hon Nsibambi autographing an people to manage disasters. He expressive live painting during the dinner. The Humanitarian October -DDecember 2008 17 Road Safety Mubende Sub Branch paints zebra crossing

Volunteers of Red Cross Mubende Sub Branch paint a zebra crossing along Main Street in Mubende Town Council. Mubende sub branch is under Mityana URCS branch.

MTN Marathon 10, 800 Ugandans participate in marathon to raise funds for charity

By Hasifa Kabejja ambulances during the marathon. Last year, URCS supported 2, 500 They again turned up in big numbers The Mama Bag kit contains cotton mothers in Pader, Amuria and to run for fun but with the intent of wool, guaze rolls, razor blades, plas- Katakwi dis- raising funds for the most vulnerable tic sheet, a cotton receiving sheet, tricts. in the north and eastern parts of the toilet soap, safety pin for nappies, country. cord ligature, nappies, plastic lined A total of 10,800 people participated baby panties, vaseline for baby, baby in the 2008 MTN marathon up from powder, baby towel, early baby cot- 6,000 last year which is an indication ton clothes, baby cotton sleeping of increased awareness about the sheet , treated mosquito net and vulnerabilities in the country that basin among others. need to be addressed through a concerted effort. Due to the floods last year, Uganda Red Cross Society upgraded the Mr. Buruku handing over trophies MTN has again chosen to give the Mama Bag kit to include a return kit proceeds of the marathon to to enable returning families replant. Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS) The return kit contains maize seeds, Addressing participants, the in support of the National Society's beans, dodo, okra, onions, egg Chairman, Central Governing Mama Bag project aimed at aiding plants, sukuma wiki, sickles, an axe, Board, Mr. Tom Buruku, said the expectant mothers in the east and hoes and a panga. funds would be used for the right north with safe delivery kits. URCS cause. He commended MTN for offered first aid services including URCS plans to aid 2,000 expectant teaming up with URCS to address mothers from the 2008 proceeds. vulnerabilities in the country. The Humanitarian October -DDecember 2008 18 Kisoro/Kanungu branches Over 30, 000 Congolese refugeescross to Uganda By Hasifa Kabejja and Uganda Red Cross Society is distribut- Catherine Ntabadde ing relief items to Congolese refugees at Matanda and Nyabikande transit sites in Kanungu and Kisoro district respectively.

So far, 2, 500 households have received items including blankets, tarpaulins, basins, jerrycans and soap. URCS has been entrusted by all NGOs in the operation to head the distribution exercise of food and non food items. UNHCR is the overall coordinating agency in Kisoro and Kanungu.

The National Society is also undertaking the registration of all Congolese refugees at the transit sites and in Nakivale resettlement camp where the refugees are re-located. It is also sensitizing communities on proper hygiene and sanitation practices and offering first aid services. IFRC Disaster Management delegate Brennan More refugees continue to trickle into the country from different Banks working with URCS volunteers during border points including Ishasha in Kanungu, Kisoro and the distribution of items to Congolese refugees Chetero. This calls for concerted effort to mobilize resources to address vulnerabilities of over 30, 083 Congolese refugees who have been forced to live their country due to fighting between the government forces and rebel Laurent Nkunda's soldiers.

UNIICEF has set up water tanks to ensure distribution of safe water to refugees. Medicines San Frontiers (MSF) is providing water in Kisoro and medical treatment in Nakivale where a cholera outbreak has been reported. WFP is providing food in Kanungu, Kisoro and Nakivale.

URCS has also registered about 85 unaccompanied minors. The children have been transferred to Nakivale as URCS awaits the situation in Democratic Republic of Congo to improve before tracing of parents and relatives kicks off. Some of the children have been re-united with their parents, those that crossed into Uganda.

There is still need for more support in terms of food, shelter, health services among others. URCS is partnering with UNFPA to provide reproductive health services. Cholera outbreaks were reported in Matanda in Kanungu and in Nakivale. The situation isbeing contained by partners URCS, UNHCR, MSF, Uganda Red Cross volunteers sticking identification tags on Office of Prime Minister, GTZ, UNICEF and refugees before boarding a bus to Matanda transit camp. district authorities. Some Congolese URCS talked to said they are not ready to return home in fear of rebel Laurent Nkunda's forces while others are returning on claims that rebels have assured them of safety. URCS operations are supported by IFRC. The seven fundamental principles of the Red Cross Movement Humanity

The Red Cross movement aims at providing assistance to the While national societies are auxil- vulnerable without discrimination liaries to their governments in the to prevent & alleviate human suf- provision of humanitarian services & fering Its purpose is to protect subject to the laws of their respective life & health and to ensure countries, they should maintain their respect for human dignity. The autonomy. movement also promotes mutual understanding & lasting coopera- tion among all people. Voluntary Service

Impartiality As a humanitarian organisation, it is a voluntary relief movement, not The Red Cross does not discrim- prompted in any manner by desire for inate. It endeavours to relieve gain. the suffering of individuals being guided by their needs and giving Unity priority to the most urgent cases. There can only be one Red Cross or Nuetrality Red Crescent society in any one country. It must be open to all and To earn the confidence of all, the carry out humanitarian work through- Movement takes no sides in hos- out its territory. tilities nor does it engage in con- troversies of a political, social, Universality religious or ideological nature. Independence The Red Cross/Red Crescent movement is worldwide. All societies have equal status and share equal respon- sibility in helping each other.

Uganda Red Cross Society, Plot 28/30 Lumumba Avenue, P.O.Box 494 Kampala Uganda Tel: 0256-041-258701/2; 0256-031-260615; Fax: 0256-041-258184, Website: www.redcrossug.org