Uganda Red Cross Society Quarterly Publication July-September, 2009

The Humanitarian A Uganda Red Cross Society quarterly publication July-September, 2009

FAMINE A starving woman rests outside her hut in Moyo The Humanitarian July-September 1 Word from the editor Famine is a reality. It has affected thousands with minimal effort from the public to save the situation. The majority of districts are affected but the hard-hit are those in the North and North Eastern Uganda that have had a rough past. These districts have experienced among others floods and wars that have shattered their livelihoods and hardly have coping mecha- nisms.

When Uganda Red Cross Society appealed to the public to donate whatever they could, a number of people responded to the call by donating items in cash and kind which were given to the suffering communities. The question is can relief distribution be sustained? The government together with all organizations engaged in humanitarian work should think of helping communities to plant enough food to avoid food insecurity. This can be done through distribution of seeds and farm implements.

Inside the issue Our Vision An empowered, healthy and self-sustaining community that responds to the needs of the most vulnerable URCS aids famine victims Our Mission To improve the quality of life of the most vul- Page 5 nerable people in Uganda as an effective and efficient humanitarian organization The seven fundamental principles of the Red Cross Movement Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Lira: 7,750 given Independence, Voluntary Service seeds for planting Unity, Universality

Page 12 Design and layout: Hasifa Kabejja Editorial adviser: Catherine Ntabadde Articles/ photographs contribution: Francis Gombya, Hasifa Kabejja, Catherine Ntabadde, Jacqueline Zawedde, Vera Nyatara, Joseph Okalebo, Mawa Alatawa, Steven Wamukota, Mawanda Shaban 2 The Humanitarian July-September

The URCS Secretary General, Mr Michael Richard Nataka (L), chats with the Head of the International Department German Red Cross, Martin during the NEPARC General Assembly in Nairobi.

Message from the Secretary General

Dear readers, URCS has the pleasure of once again sharing with you the highlights of our humanitarian interventions for the period under review.

In addition to our regular programmes and ongoing projects, our attention was drawn to acute food shortages in 52 districts in the country, registering cases of H1N1 virus, cholera outbreaks in some parts of the country, riots in Kampala and a looming el nino in the last quarter of the year.

We continued meeting our commitments in our planned activities and at the same time made a contribution to the various humanitarian challenges as they unfolded.

I hope that you will enjoy this edition and trust that you will continue to be a partner as we serve humanity. The Humanitarian July-September 3 CGB chairperson Famine strikes 52 districts appeals for URCS famine appeal famine victims Uganda Red Cross Society on 10th July launched an appeal of Shs5.6 billion to support 50,000 people affected by famine in the North and North Eastern By Nyatara Vera parts of the country. Companies and individuals have since responded to the The Chairperson Uganda Red appeal by making contributions in cash or kind as presented below. Cross Society (URCS), Mr. Tom Buruku, has appealed to the gener- Food contributions al public to become more humane. MTN Uganda - 23,100kgs maize flour, 7,337kgs beans, 1,354 kgs salt During a press conference held at Radio Sanyu - 400kgs maize flour the URCS head office on Friday, Britania - 1,200 cartons of biscuits, 360pcs juice 31st July, Mr. Buruku said it is important for those who have Nailyango - 100kgs beans resources to share. Mr. Rabbi (Mbale) - 1,000kgs maize flour, 200kgs beans Shell Uganda - 200kgs maize flour The press conference was con- Eastern Corporation Club vened to receive contributions from the public and to give an (Mbale)- 2,000kgs maize flour, update on the National Society's 500kgs beans progress towards the Shs5.6 billion Step Radio - 1,500kgs maize appeal. Mr. Buruku noted that flour, 600kgs beans, 100kgs salt, there were still many needs to reduce famine. 200kgs maize grain Mbale SS - 600kgs maize flour The Shs5.6 billion appeal that Mt. Elgon Mbale - 400kgs URCS launched on the 10th July, maize flour fetched 30,657,522 cash donations. Moyo Branch - 600kgs beans, 3,000kgs maize grain So far 3,577 households in Abotta Tuffoam Industry - 230kgs maize flour, 230kgs beans village-Obalanga Sub County in Entebbe Branch - 650kgs maize flour, 400kgs beans Amuria district, Nyakatunya IDP Camp in soroti district and Magoro Rakai - 50kgs maize flour Luweero - 200kgs maize grain Sub County in Katakwi have bene- Mbale Workers Fellowship - 1,000kgs maize flour, 300kgs beans, 50kgs salt fitted from the contributions. Leading by example the Staff of Cash contributions URCS made cash contribution of Honda Uganda - Shs500,000 Kampala Central - Shs621,350 Shs1, 168,000 million. Obote Foundation - Shs22,022,022 Kamuli volunteers - Shs100,000 URCS staff - Shs1,168,000 MAERSK Logistics - Shs733,000 Moyo Branch - Shs859,000 Mrs Anita - Shs200,000 Radio Sanyu - Shs200,000 Joufran Hygiene - Shs200,000 Representatives of Entebbe Entebbe Branch - Shs600,000 and Kampala URCS branch- Kalangala Branch - Shs100,000 es handover the donated Kampala North - Shs170,000 food to Mr. Buruku. Ugandan artistes - Shs300,000 4 The Humanitarian July-September Famine appeal Obote Foundation contributes Shs22m

By Hasifa Kabejja

The Milton Obote Foundation (MoF) donated Shs22,022,022 to support famine-stricken communities of Karamoja, Acholi, Teso and West Nile regions.

While handing over the cheque at the Uganda Red Cross Society headquarters on 4th August, Mr. Barungi presents the cheque to Mr. Buruku (C) as Uganda the Chairman MoF, Mr. Ignatius Barungi, said, Peoples Congress party president Miria Obote looks on. "Members of the Foundation have witnessed ensure that communities have upon the general public to the suffering of the affected communities. We enough food saying it is a put aside political differences have seen the images of suffering people and basic necessity which cannot during crises so as to ensure pictures of MPs crying over the tragedy. We be ignored. effective response to the would like the victims to know that we share The Chairman Central needs of affected communi- the pain and that's why we have made this Governing Board, Mr. Tom ties. MoF is affiliated to symbolic contribution." Buruku, commended MoF opposition party Uganda He called upon all concerned authorities to for the donation and called People's Congress. FDC aids starving communities By Hasifa Kabejja Speaking at a press conference con- URCS for aiding "people in dis- vened by the Forum for tress" and for accepting to be inter- The Vice Chairman of Uganda Democratic Change party to hand mediaries between people donating Red Cross Society, Mr. Robert over relief food to Uganda Red relief food and the beneficiaries. Ssebunya, in August urged government to come up with a clear disas- Cross in August, Mr. Ssebunya said URCS is spearheading the collec- ter management policy that can be lack of a clear policy makes the sit- tion of relief food in cash and followed in times of disasters. uation complicated when disasters kind, transportation and distribu- strike because there are tion of relief in the affected com- no clear guidelines to munities. mitigate the impact. The URCS Secretary General, Mr. FDC donated over 100 Michael Nataka, said there was still sacks of relief food to great need for food. He said the the famine-stricken com- affected communities needed to be munities of Northern supported with food for three and North Eastern months before they could replant. Uganda. URCS gave 15kgs of posho, 5.6kgs of beans and a kilo of salt Mr. Ssebunya and Dr. Besigye at the press The FDC President, Dr. to each individual in the affected conference. In the background is the food that was donated by the FDC party members. Kiza Besigye, applauded communities. The Humanitarian July-September 5 Famine (Katakwi)

The Head of Logistics, Mr. Jeff Sserunjogi, hands a sack of posho to one of the beneficiaries. Inset an elderly woman crawls toward the distribution point. 1,354 people supported with food By Hasifa Kabejja 10th July. field to ensure that the affected communities are supported with farm MTN Uganda donated relief food “We decided to distribute the food in implements to replant. worth Shs70 million to 1,354 starv- Magoro because there was great ing people in Magoro Sub County, Katakwi District. need in the area,” Mr. Buruku said. “People in Teso are hardworking but circumstances have reduced them to The items which were distributed by The State Minister for Disaster almost nothing. The region was once the Uganda Red Cross Society on Preparedness, Mr. Musa Ecweru, a food basket but this is no more. 23rd July, included 2,310kgs of said the government was humbled by Residents need to be supported to maize flour, 7,337kg of beans and the MTN donation and praised replant so that they sustain them- 1,354kgs of salt. Each family URCS, saying the organization is a selves,” Mr. Ecweru said. received 15kgs of posho, 5.4kgs of reliable auxiliary to government in beans and one kg of salt. the humanitarian interventions. Teso has experienced a number of natural calamities like floods and Speaking during the distribution He said although no one had died in drought that have destroyed 80% exercise, the Chairperson Uganda Magoro Sub County, residents were crops in the region. Red Cross Society, Mr. Tom Buruku, in dire need of food. said this was the largest donation The minister appealed to other since the National Society launched He said relief distribution was not a organizations to emulate the MTN an appeal of Shs5.6 billion at the on sustainable mechanism calling on all example. stakeholders in the humanitarian 6 The Humanitarian July-September Famine West Nile hard-hit By Mawa Alatawa

During the quarter, the West Nile districts experienced unprece- dented levels of famine.

The most affected districts were Moyo, Maracha-Terego, and Arua. In the most affected districts, 27 people succumbed to the pranks of the food shortage, with Arua registering 13 deaths, Moyo 05 and Maracha-Terego 09. The death cases may have not been a direct impact of the famine but other causes such as acute malnutrition and wild "poisonous" fruit consumption.

According to the local authorities, food shortage in West Nile could be attributed to several factors, some of which are natural like climate change that led to drought preceded by heavy rains that destroyed crops.

The continued cultivation of tobacco in Maracha-Terego made the Some of the elderly people affected people susceptible to food insecurity. It was only a matter of time by famine in Magoro Sub County, when their main food basket Arua was crippled by dare changes in Katakwi District. They had lined up to production. In Moyo, the rate of alcohol consumption is to blame. receive food that was donated by Both men and women indulge in drinking sprees that see them selling MTN Uganda. even the little harvest for alcohol. Below some of the beneficiaries walk Survival strategies back home. The need to survive led to counter productive survival strategies that have been adopted by some unscrupulous people in West Nile. Burglary, shoplifting and highway robbery are on the increase. Other families as a copying mechanism have resorted to marrying off their underage daughters.

URCS intervention Uganda RedCross Society in Moyo district responded to the famine situation by distributing food aid to the most vulnerable people in the district. The beneficiaries included pregnant women, female headed households, children, the elderly and people living A URCS volunteer carrying with Aids. out an assessment of the food security situation in Moyo. The food included 60,000kgs of maize grains and 12,000kgs of dry beans for both Obongi and East Moyo counties. In total 23,106 people benefited. The Humanitarian July-September 7 The Uganda Red Cross Society Estates The redesigned headquarter masterplan

Kotido multi-purpose block

The Rakai multi-purpose block The African Leadership Training Centre Update on Construction works By Francis Gombya multipurpose office block. es. This project is to kick off in the Completion of the Mukono third quarter for 18/20 weeks as the The Estates Unit has embarked on branch girls hostel block. construction period. This will serve a technically guided tracking of all Completion of the Hostel block at as the national headquarters and the URCS estates. This will involve the African Youth Leadership and Kampala West branch offices for overseeing renovations, ongoing con- Training center. 2/3 years as the H/Q Master plan structions, maintenance works and Ongoing works on the Abim sub- project is being implemented. establishment of the various running branch office block and toilet. values of all assests and properties. The African Youth Leadership and The H/Q Master plan project Below is an update of the construc- Training center. URCS is yet to engage in the con- tion and relocation works. Ongoing works in, Kumi, struction of a state of the art mod- Katakwi, Abim, Moroto, Kotido, ern structural facility on Lumumba Countyside works Kalangala and Rakai branches. Avenue. The 7-storey structure will Completion of the ground floor suggest the best parking design in of the Soroti branch multipurpose The Relocation Project the city, compliance to building block. We are in advanced stages of begin- laws, modern technologies, to men- Completion of the renovation ning to construct a 3-storey struction but a few. The construction of works on the Soroti branch office ture at Kampala West branch. This the 18000sm establishment is block. is an improvement and upgrade of expected to start early 2010. Completion of the Kotido branch the existing block on theses premis- 8 The Humanitarian July-September Disaster Management Emergency preparedness (Arua Branch) URCS aids Arua accident victims By Catherine Ntabadde patients by submitting Hospital records on case Uganda Red Cross Society management, discharges, in August supported 107 and needs of the patients. farmers that were injured in The following support was an accident in Ayivu Sub extended to the casualties: County, Maracha Terego district along Yumbe-Arua Road with non food items. URCS updated casualties list and discharges 60 of the farmers admitted Volunteers worked hand in at Arua Referral Hospital hand with Out Patient and 47 admitted at Onzua Department to assist the Chapel received 2 pieces of patients. blankets and 5 bars of soap BATU provided food each. An Arua Branch volunteer taking care of patients. through URCS Arua branch Tobacco Uganda (BATU) center in to support the patients in the According to a report from URCS Arua to collect their tobacco pro- hospital. Arua Branch, each wife of the ceeds. 10 people were confirmed AMREF donated a sack of cassa- deceased got 2 pieces of blankets dead and 105 admitted in Arua va for the casualties to be distrib- and 9 bars of soap. Regional referral hospital with uted by URCS branch. serous injuries. Voice of Life donated some bed The farmers got involved in the sheets. accident as they were being trans- The URCS branch continued to ported to British American network with BATU to support the URCS improves sanitation conditions in Kyangwali refugee settlement By Jacqueline Zawedde refugee settlement. The three-year project which start- The Uganda Red Cross Society ed in September 2007 covers five Kyangwali Refugee settlement has contributed to the improvement of branches within the Albertan been a home for over 20,000 the health status of the vulnerable Region including Hoima, where the refugees from Sudan, DRC, refugee community in Kyangwali Kyangwali refugee settlement is Rwanda and Somalia for over 10 Settlement. located. years due to insurgency in the respective neighboring countries. URCS is currently implementing a As part of the three-year venture, water and sanitation project in mid the URCS implemented a three- The Uganda Government had to Western part of Uganda, with sup- month project from May to July relocate some of these refugees to port from European Union, 2009 in an effort to improve health Kyangwali Turn to page11 through Danish Red Cross Society. and sanitation in the vulnerable settlement The Humanitarian July-September 9

Some of the youth during a treasure hunt at the International Youth Camp at the African Leadership WATSAN Coordinator Patrick Training Centre in Namakwa, Mukono. Wandawa (2nd L) together with the Hoima Regional Programme Officer WATSAN, Mr. Wekoye Steven, inspect some of the proj- Helping communities to cope ects undertaken by the URCS Participatory Hygiene and Sanitation Transformation groups in Buliisa.

The Secretary General, Mr. Michael Richard Nataka, addresses the press at Hotel Africana in July. This was during a press conference organized by local URCS Programme Officer Disaster Risk Reduction artistes to highlight their commitment to work with Mawanda Shaban and Mbarara Regional Disaster URCS to support famine-stricken communities. Management Programme Officer Johnson Kyomukama Looking on is the President of the Ghetto Republic receive the Oxfam Strategic Plan from the Rwenzori Bobi Wine and the Acting General Manager Manager Oxfam, Mr. Bernard Tumwebaze. This was dur- Musalaba Mwekundu, Mr. Khalid Ssimbwa. Musalaba ing the Oxfam partners’ meeting in Bundibugyo in Mwekundu is a company that mobilizes resources August. Oxfam partners are expected to submit propos- for Uganda Red Cross Society. als in line with the organization’s strategic plan. 10 The Humanitarian July-September

Representatives on the New Partnership for African Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (NEPARC) during the body’s General Assembly in Nairobi, Kenya. The Assembly among others discussed the NEPARC activity report February-August 2009, NEPARC and the 5-year SGS and NGOs benchmarking standard experience, Strategic Alliance building, Strategic partnership and Strategic thinking on NEPARC 5- year achievements. Staff of KCB doing a practical during a first aid training by Musalaba Mwekundu Company Ltd at the URCS headquarters. Musalaba Mwekundu a company that mobilis- es resources for URCS undertakes commercial first aid training.

Gulu Branch Coordinator Terence Omonya dissemi- nates to students at Lacor Medical School.

1 2

1. Kasensero Landing Site in Rakai District where URCS undertakes HIV/AIDS awareness activities.

2. URCS officers from the Accounts, Estates and Organizational A school at the Development departments on a joint assessment mission on Kasensero landing site. 4 Landing Site. The area is one of the most vulnerable in the district. URCS plans to start up activities to improve the health and economic status of the area. 3. Pig rearing is one of the income generating activities supported by URCS. The Humanitarian July-September 11 Water & sanitation: Kyangwali refugees aided From page 8 refugee households and there was Programme, Finish Refugee Council to occupy the land already left by lack of soap especially among the and Aktion Africa came up with a the repatriated Sudanese increasing new arrivals. proposal to address some of the pressure on the existing facilities. missing gaps to contribute to the URCS, in agreement with other good health of the refugees. This was mainly in the areas of players like the Office of the Prime hygiene and water. According to Minister, UNHCR, World Food The activities carried out included Acktion Africa, the supply of water installing seven rain water harvest- was not adequate for all the settlers, “ ing tanks at health units; installation there were no hand washing facili- of seven hand-washing facilities, ties and the three health centers The supply of water repairing and rehabilitating five shal- were not enough for the current was not adequate for low wells in eleven villages; commu- population of 20,000 people. all the settlers and nity mobilization and sensitization there were no hand on sanitation and hygiene. Previously the latrine coverage was washing about 72% among the old settlers. facilities The Danish Red Cross is funding No hard ware components like sand “ the project. plats and slabs were provided to the Red Cross supports farmer groups in Lira By Hasifa Kabejja group farming and growing high Mr. Aine warned the beneficiaries value crops. against diverting the animals to pay dowry or selling them for financial Uganda Red Cross Society in He said the groups comprised of purposes. August gave 60 oxen and 30 ox- 4,500 members and that a total of ploughs to farmer groups in Ogur 200 others would benefit indirectly. Rose Ongom, the vice chairperson and Apala sub counties in Lira dis- Red Cross, Lira branch who officiat- trict. The donation was meant to ed at the function, advised the locals boost food production. to preserve the little food they have harvested. The items worth Shs34 million were distributed to 30 selected groups which also included former Lord’s Resistance Some of the Army (LRA) oxen that were abductees and distribited to HIV/AIDS victims. Lira farmers at Speaking at the distri- Ogur Sub bution exercise at Ogur County head- Sub County headquar- quarters. ters on 8th August, URCS Food Security Programme Officer Reuben Aine said communities are expected to increase their income through 12 The Humanitarian July-September Food security URCS gives seeds to 7,750 in Lira By Catherine Ntabadde Okere parishes which were severely seeds now that the rains have start- affected by the drought where six ed. The seeds distributed will mature Imagine returning to your home people died. The assistance was in a short while, according to the aimed at enabling the beneficiaries URCS Gulu Region Disaster after over 20 years but with no food to replant what was lost and lead to Management Officer Vincent to eat. This is the experience ex- a production recovery. Odoch. internally displaced people of Adwari Sub County in Lira went The Danish Red Cross Country Thomas Atim, a beneficiary said, through. This population has not Coordinator Charlotte Kjoerup who “We have been facing food shortage received rains for the last seven participated in the distribution said for many months. We haven’t months, experiencing severe famine the intervention is timely and she received rain for a while. Now we due to persistent drought. hoped it will help reduce on the have some little rain and we are food shortage among the commu- happy to receive these seeds from However, early August, the popula- nities. Red Cross. We shall not eat or sell tion received some rains and they these seeds.” are eager to start planting. She said Danish Red Cross works As part of its 2nd strategy, the with URCS on a number of projects Grace Alele said, “Food had been a Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS) all aimed at alleviating human suffer- serious problem. I am happy that on August 19, 2009 distributed seeds ing. “We hope you continue to now I am going to plant these seeds to 7, 750 hunger-stricken people in receive more rain so that the crops to get food. My garden is ready and Adwari Sub County Lira District. can grow. We wish you a good plant- I am starting to plant immediately.” ing and harvesting season,” she said. Mary Awany, URCS Lira board The URCS interventions were sup- member said the food shortage situ- ported by the Danish Red Cross Most of the beneficiaries inter- ation had reached its peak. She Society which contributed viewed pledged not to sale or eat the hoped the intervention of seeds will sh54,500,000 to the food insecurity seeds saying it is better to plant the enable the beneficiaries plant food appeal by the Uganda for immediate and Red Cross Society. future consumption. The seeds and tools The general objec- distributed include tive of URCS inter- 5kgs of maize, 2kgs ventions is to con- of cowpeas, veg- tribute to the reduc- etable seeds which tion of food insecu- include 0.02kgs of rity of 1,553 house- Onions, egg plants, holds (approximate- Dodo, Sukuma Wiki ly 7,750 people) and Okra and one through the provi- hoe. sion of short term maturing planting The beneficiaries of materials and farm the seeds were main- The Danish Red Cross Country Coordinator Charlotte implements. ly from Okee and Kjoerup hands seeds to an elderly woman. The Humanitarian July-September 13 URCS scales up Buganda crisis: Red Cross intervenes in riots risk reduction By Catherine Ntabadde stones, burnt government cars, police sta- activities tions and blocked several roads. Kampala and some areas outside the city Uganda Red Cross Society immediately By Shaban Mawanda were on fire as a cross section of the pub- convened an emergency operations meet- Uganda Red Cross lic rioted following reports that Buganda’s ing to provide the needed assistance of Society Disaster King would not visit one of the sub coun- first aid and evacuation services to those Management Department ties in his Kingdom. injured. has scaled up Disaster Risk Reduction interventions in King Ronald Mutebi was scheduled to offi- Eastern and Western Chaired by the Deputy Secretary Uganda. ciate at the Buganda Youth celebrations in General/Head of Operations, Dr. Bildard Bugerere, Kayunga Mukono district on Baguma, he emphasized the need to With the support of September 12, 2009. However, Mutebi’s respond in time as the situation was wors- British Red Cross and visit was halted by the Government after a ening. All the five branches in Kampala; Swedish Red Cross, DRR projects are in high gear section of Banyala in Bugerere insisted Kampala West, East, North, South and that the King must seek their permission in Paliisa and Kisoro Central, Mukono branch, Entebbe branch branches. before visiting ‘their area.” The Banyala are were put on alert. seeking autonomy from the Buganda The projects aim at for- Kingdom. The DSG directed that each of the mulating Community Based DRR groups and branches assembles 10 volunteers developing their capacities to support the operations. In in epidemic surveillance, total, URCS committed 120 vol- risk assessments and proj- unteers to the emergency. ect management including Mukono branch which hosts demographic and baseline surveys to inform concrete Kayuga had 30 volunteers. actions for 2010 and 2011.

The National Society committed URCS has defined its way all its fleet and two ambulances to forward in the DRR evacuate those injured during the framework document to include actions that build riots. Most of the injured were community resilience and URCS volunteer Philip Ngobi administers referred to Kawolo and reduce the impact of dis- first aid on a victim of the riots in Kampala. Mulago hospitals. asters in line with disease prevention, shelter, climate On September 11, 2009, sections of the The URCS first aid post at the Old Taxi change adaptation/mitiga- tion and food security. public mainly youth started off a riot in the Park in the City centre was very helpful at city centre. Riots rocked Kampala and sur- the time. The Post attended to 25 cases. In 2010, the DRR inter- rounding places, leaving 21 people dead. ventions will be expanded As the need for first aid services increased, to include OXFAM sup- This was after the Police stopped the URCS procured more emergency supplies ported Rwenzori Community based DRR Buganda prime minister from going to for all the branches that were put on alert. Kayunga district to prepare for the King’s programme in both Mukono branch attended to 48 cases of Kasese and Bundibugyo visit, citing security concerns. Over 600 which one died; Kampala South attended branches together with people were arrested and over 200 charged to 3 causalities, Kampala Central-41 cases; formation and opera- with rioting, illegal assembly and terrorism. Kampala East-2 cases; Kampala West-3 tionalisation of Climate change action groups in As the riots intensified, Police and the cases. Army battled the rowdy rioters who pelted Katakwi, Apac and Kotido. 14 The Humanitarian July-September Tracing Red Cross repatriates unaccompanied minors By Jacqueline Zawedde stayed at Mbarara University. Blankets, sleeping mats, bags, The ICRC and Uganda Red Cross mosquito nets and game equip- Society witnessed the repatriation ment were provided to the chil- of 14 more Congolese dren. On 26th August, the Unaccompanied Minors (UAM) team started the journey to from Nakivale Settlement. This Kisoro. took place between 24th and 28th August 2009 during a joint mis- While in Kisoro the children sion to Bunagana by the ICRC and were given clothes, shoes and URCS. jackets before the team pro- The UAMs were handed over to ceeded to Bunagana border to the ICRC Goma team at the immi- URCS Tracing Assistant Olive Twikirize (R) meet the ICRC Goma team gration offices in DRC on the 27th poses for a photo with some of the chil- and handover the children. At for actual re-union with their fami- dren that were repatriated. 10:15 am, on the 27th, the lies which were earlier located by before, all the children were anxious children were officially hand- ICRC Goma. and excited to go back home. At the ed over to the ICRC Goma team and This brought the total number of office of the Camp Commandant, the later traveled back to Kisoro for a Unaccompanied Minors repatriated in team was informed that the population brief meeting at the Kisoro Branch. the month of August to 21. in the settlement had reached 48,522 by 31st June comprising Sudanese, During the meeting it was noted that Through the Tracing Assistants who Congolese, Rwandese, Burundians, this kind of exercise had improved were responsible for locating and Somalis, Ethiopians, Eritreans, every time the joint missions were mobilizing the children in the settle- Kenyans and Liberians. conducted and everybody's contribu- ment, URCS was able to locate 26 tion towards the success was appreci- UAMs, 13 of which accepted to be re- The team together with the children ated and that this had been the united with their families. Unlike arrived in Mbarara on 25th where they biggest number of children handled ever since the exercise started. Health and Care Busia Branch intervenes in cholera outbreak By Jacquline Zawedde The Red Cross Action Teams students and pupils on cholera pre- helped to combat the situation by vention and management. Since 8th July 2009, Uganda Red promoting hygiene at the health Cross Society, Busia Branch was centers, administering ORS to the The URCS Regional office distrib- helping in combating the cholera patients, sensitizing communities on uted 3,000 sachets of ORS, 20 jugs, scourge that invaded Busia town hygiene and sanitation and distrib- 20 plastic cups, 15 pairs of house- early this year. uting Information, Education and hold gloves, tablets, 3000 pieces of Reports indicate that 96 cases of Communication materials. unscented soap, 20 litres of plastic cholera victims had been admitted, buckets among other sanitary items. of which 85 were discharged and 10 NGOs like Child Development Over 4,000 purification tablets were died. Center facilitated Red Cross volun- distributed to 14,296 people. teers to move to schools to sensitize The Humanitarian July-September 15 Health and Care (Oyam Sub branch) MTN supports URCS Mama Bag Project By Hasifa Kabejja Uganda Red Cross Society, Mr. Tom to meet the basic needs of life and Buruku, commended MTN for therefore cannot afford the basic MTN Uganda in August supported always supporting the vulnerable. requirements for giving birth. 500 expectant mothers in Otwal Sub Because of this, the area has high County, Oyam District with safe "MTN has not stopped to help those infant mortality rate. A recent assess- delivery kits worth Shs67 million. in need even at this time of global ment in the area also showed a high The kits, delivered through Uganda financial crisis. This is a wonderful rate of teenage pregnancies which Red Cross Society, were bought gesture that “ complicates the situation due to lack using proceeds from the 2008 other compa- 500 expectant of basic primary healthcare facili- nies should ties," Mr. Buruku said. MTN Kampala Marathon. mothers in Otwal emulate," Mr. He cautioned the beneficiaries to Buruku said. Sub County, Oyam plan to have manageable families. Each kit contained plastic sheets, district received safe receiving sheets, a blanket, guaze delivery kits wire, cotton wool, safety pins, plastic He said this This is not the first time MTN is aid- lined baby panties, baby towel, nap- year's choice ing expectant mothers with safe pies, powder, plastic basin, jerry can, of Otwal Sub County was decided delivery kits. The company has been razor blades and baby soap among upon due to the biting poverty in the supporting the Mama Bag initiative other items. area just recovering from the impact which aims at aiding expectant moth- of the prolonged insurgency in ers to undergo safe delivery since Speaking at the distribution of the Northern Uganda. 2004. Since the inception of the kits at Otwal Health Centre III on Mama Bag initiative, 8, 500 expectant 13th August, the Chairperson "Most of the people here are unable mothers have benefited.

Mr. Buruku hands a kit to one of the expectant mothers in Otwal Sub County, Oyam District. Inset a URCS volunteer organizing the kits. 16 The Humanitarian July-September Organizational Development - Youth programme URCS hosts International Youth Camp By Catherine Ntabadde retention and climatic change and involved in the design and implemen- come up with proposed actions to tation of climate change adaptation The Uganda Red Cross Society address them. programs. “Youth and participants in (URCS) 2009 International Youth Strengthening the spirit of volun- particular should be primary environ- camp was officially opened on August teerism among the youth to assist the mental and climate change 17, 2009 by the State Minister for most vulnerable people in the nation- Ambassadors in their homes, schools Youth and Children affairs Ms. Jessica al societies. and communities,” Alupo said. Alupo. Providing a forum for experiential learning and cultural exchange among The event was attended by URCS The nine-day camp which was held at the participants. board chairperson Mr. Tom Buruku, the URCS Africa Leadership Training URCS Secretary General Michael Centre in Mukono attracted 200 par- Camp Activities Nataka, URCS National Council ticipants, 27 of them being interna- The activities Chairperson Hannington Segirinya tional participants from Austria, were both in Denmark, Germany, Israel, Tanzania, door and out Burundi, Rwanda and Kenya. door and were designed to be Each of the URCS 51 branches sent highly partici- two participants to the camp under patory through the theme, Youth and Climate interactions. change, make your move for a bet- The thematic ter world. areas Youths in Camp goals global fight Enhancing the spirit of voluntarism against among the youth and volunteers and HIV/AIDs developing strategies for membership Youth as vol- Some of the youth who participated in the camp. retention and motivation for continu- unteers to ity of the voluntarism spirit within the respond to climate change and various youth representatives. Red Cross movement. Youths as agents of change against Mr. Buruku said URCS is what it is Re-affirming, developing and drug abuse and substance because of the youth who form the strengthening youth efforts in sup- Youth and volunteering in Red big volunteer and membership force. port of the Red Cross/Red Crescent Cross activities He added that URCS is committed movement activities. Values and principles for Red Cross to utilizing the African leadership with focus on youth and behaviour centre to instill a variety of skills to The camp objectives change. the youth. Equiping the participants with life Addressing the participants, Ms. skills to address their needs and those Alupo said Youth should be called to Mr. Nataka informed guests that of the community. action being the majority and key URCS owns 22 acres of land where Discussing the major challenges stakeholders in environmental protec- the African leadership centre is locat- affecting young people mainly tion and nature conservation issues. ed, adding that more facilities will be HIV/AIDS, drug and substance set up at the centre to accommodate abuse, volunteers recruitment and She added that they should be more more trainings. The Humanitarian July-September 17 Lake Victoria Programme (LVP) Red Cross, City Talk to organise 2nd Lake Victoria pegeant

Bildard By Jacqueline Zawedde Baguma signed a memo- rundum of understand- he Uganda Red Cross Society has T ing on behalf of URCS partnered with City Talk Uganda to while Dan Lutaaya and collaborate and co-sponsor the second David Kajula signed for Queen of Lake Victoria which is City Talk. scheduled to take place on 10th October at Lido Beach, Entebbe. The Uganda Red Cross City Talk Uganda, an organization together with other part- Dr Baguma (R) greets Dan Lutaaya and David focused on sustainable resource utiliza- ners will be involved in Kajula, representatives from City Talk. tion and management of Lake the search for the com- ics. URCS will also contribute towards Victoria., instituted the Queen of Lake petitors of the pageant from countries the media campaign to ensure publicity Victoria beauty pageant in 2003 with of the Great Lake Region and the Nile through radio and television talk support from a number of govern- Basin through collaborations with shows; spot adverts, posters and sup- ments. Universities in Uganda, Kenya, plements in the New Vision. Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, The DRC, The Queen of Lake Victoria institution The Sudan, Ethiopia, Egypt, and This move is intended to promote lives to ensure conservation and sus- Eritrea. Uganda Red Cross' Mission, Vision tainable usability of the vast resources and activities for the sustainable utiliza- of Lake Victoria and her catchments URCS will contribute to the production of Lake Victoria and strengthen- including the Great rivers and lakes tion of the crowning magazine, posters ing opportunities of cooperation for there in. and seasonal cards featuring sponsors' Uganda Red Cross with other actors profiles, activities and achievements in for the sustainability of the Nile Basin URCS Deputy Secretary General Dr. form of write-ups and designed graph- and the Lake Victoria. Bubulo Branch gets solar panels By Jacqueline Zawedde

Uganda Red Cross (URCS) Bubulo Branch has acquired 125 Solar Panels from the University of Gothernburg to establish solar electricity and enable phone charging services in the remote areas. With support from the Swedish Red Cross Society, the women groups and youth links. This is part of the initiative is also intended to aid lighting and computer income generating activities to alleviate poverty among services in schools as well as phone charging among members of the groups. 18 The Humanitarian July-September Education (Wakiso branch) Kasangati Education Centre holds music competitions By Jacqueline Zawedde

Excitement, joy and celebration filled the atmosphere at Kasangati Education Center in Wakiso as Schmoker House beat three other houses to emerge the overall winner in the school's music, dance and drama competitions held at the school premises on 9th August.

A bull was given to the house as reward for its out- standing participation in the five competitive items of Poetry, Traditional folk song, Traditional dance, mim- ing and dancing completion. Members of Ssimbwa House perform a The function, which attracted a number of parents, Kiganda dance. guests and well wishers, was held under the theme "A Healthy living for a Healthy World" and all items revolved around this theme.

The music festivities which are held annually are part of the move to enhance the talents of the youth aside acquiring formal educational knowledge. The school is one of the new and upcoming developments under the support of UBS Optimus Foundation in partnership with Uganda Red Cross Society.

Ms Catherine Ntabadde, the Senior Public Relations Officer of Uganda Red Cross represented the Pupils belonging to Schmoker House perform Secretary General as Chief Guest and in her speech Entogoro, a cultural dance for Banyoro. she appreciated the developments at the school in parents the importance of education outside the class- such a short while. The school is six months old. room. Ssimbwa, who has been the Branch Coordinator of Wakiso Branch introduced Mr. Ibrah Ssenyonga act- She urged parents to put more effort in teaching their ing Coordinator of the branch and urged parents and children to be more creative especially in farming and board members to work hand in hand with him to see other co-curricular activities. "You ought to give further development of the school. chance and opportunity to your children to explore their talents outside the classroom just like we have Schmoker House won with 408 points, followed by seen in the drama activities today," she said. Simbwa house with 403 points. In third place came Roger House with 395 points and Nataka House came The Acting Managing Director of Musalaba fourth with 385 points. Mwekundu, a company that mobilizes resources for URCS, Mr. Khalid Simbwa, also emphasized to the The Humanitarian July-September 19 Networking URCS holds 2009 partnership meeting By Catherine Ntabadde

September 22nd was a colourful and joyful day as partners of Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS) came together to forge a way forward for 2010.

Over 20 foreign and local partners sat and listened attentively to the URCS team as they presented a report on the mid term The URCS Mbale Region staff at the Kenya review of the Strategic Plan 2007-2010, activities, budgets and Red Cross Society Mombasa Branch offices. work plans for 2010 plus cross cutting issues for the National Mbale region staff Society. It was noted that the Red Cross family plays a major role to on study tour intervene in a number of areas, hence the need to focus its By Joseph Okalebo attention on the pertinent issues affecting Uganda and any other country. The Mbale region field staff in August had a study tour to the Coast region of the Kenya Red URCS Central Governing Board chairperson Tom Buruku Cross Society. while opening the meeting hailed the partners for their continued support to URCS. He pledged commitment of attaining The trip took seven days and was meant to foster excellence through programming, adding that efficiency and interaction between field staff of the Uganda Red effectiveness will be emphasized. “We shall continue expanding Cross and Kenya Red Cross. and reaching out to communities. This will be possible through your support. Corporates have also become an integral part of The Ugandan team which arrived in Mombasa our programming,” Buruku said. on 29th September were received by the Turn to page 20 Chairman of the Coast Line region of the Kenya Red Cross Mr. Ngugi Francis and the Regional Manager Mr. Mahdi Mohamed.

The team visited the branches of Mombasa, Kwale, and Malindi. The Ugandan delegation appreciated the efforts that their Kenyan coun- terparts had made in making their branches self sustaining. All the three branches visited had got basic infrastructure and income generating activities.

The field staff of the Uganda Red Cross Society took it as a challenge as most of their branches Some of the partners that attended the URCS had not invested in real estates as a means to 2009 partnership meeting at Hotel Africana. generate income for their branches. 20 The Humanitarian July-September Red Cross holds partnership meeting From page 19 Zone Dr. Asha Mohammed said He informed partners that Uganda URCS has achieved quite a lot in the expects a lot from URCS, hence the past few years. She added that this is need to strengthen various collab- evidenced through documentation. orations and partners. “Despite the challenges you face, The Secretary General Michael the NS has been able to deliver its Nataka said the level of pro- services. In the region, URCS is gramming for the NS has greatly one of the NSs that have achieved improved because of the increasing a lot,” she added. URCS falls under humanitarian needs. He said the NS the IFRC Eastern African zone. is prepared to intervene incase the elnino rains hit the country as The Head of Delegation predicted by the Meteological Some of the URCS staff and officials from International Committee of the department. other National Societies that participated Red Cross (ICRC) Mr. Eglin in the partnership meeting. Jurg said there is need to change He further said URCS was also He added that the Reproductive health approaches and focus on new preparing to provide the needed sup- programme under Health and Care needs as part of the strategies for port during the 2011 elections espe- Department will be re-enforced to pro- Northern Uganda. cially if they turn violent. mote safe motherhood. It will be He said ICRC will be reducing its implemented in Acholiland. URCS has presence in Northern Uganda since been implementing a Reproductive The Deputy Secretary General Dr. the region is now stable. The ICRC Health programme but on a small scale. Bildard Baguma informed partners offices in Kitgum and Gulu will be that the budgets of 2010 had closed. He however added that ICRC The Head of the International increased as compared to those of will remain in the country and will Federation of Red Cross/Red 2009. continue supporting various inter- Crescent Societies Eastern Africa ventions of URCS. Jinja youth visit Burundi Red Cross By Jacqueline Zawedde tion visited was the Bubanza Red standing through experience sharing. Cross Centre which is under con- A team of 21 youth, one member struction by the youth and volun- Together with the Burundi Red of the Branch Governing Board, teers of Bubanza Branch. Cross Society, the delegation also two National Youth Council mem- visited other areas which included bers, one member of the Central They were received by the branch Ngagara Scouts Section and the Governing Board and two staff from the Uganda Red Cross Society governing board members, the Burundi Red Cross Headquaters. Jinja ranch in July visited the youth, volunteers and the branch They were shown different income Burundi Red Cross Society on an coordinator, Mr. Kidas. In his generating activities which were exchange programme. remarks, the Jinja Branch undertaken by the volunteers and Coordinator, Mr. William Male, youth of these respective branches. The visit was organized under the appreciated the work the volunteers theme "ME AND YOU FOR were doing and said the major rea- The activities include building hous- THE VULNERABLE". son they had visited was to promote es for the most vulnerable, arts and Among the places which the delega- international friendship and under- carpentry. The Humanitarian July-September 21 NEPARC: Mr. Buruku re-elected By Catherine Ntabadde the draft and media organising com- Buruku hailed Kenya Red Cross mittee. (KRC) for hosting the NEPARC Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS) meeting and secretariat. He informed was re-elected to chair the New Buruku said he was happy with the members that NEPARC was an initia- Partnership for African Red Cross trust entrusted in him by the tive of Abbass Gullet, Secretary and Red Crescent Societies NEPARC members and requested to General of KRC and Anisha Thomas (NEPARC). For the past five years, chair NEPARC for only two years of Fritz Institute in USA. URCS has been chairing NEPARC due to commitments in Uganda. "NEPARC was set up to be a club of through its board chairman, Mr. Tom excellence. That was the basis of its Buruku. Buruku will chair NEPARC formation. We wanted RC/RC soci- for two more years. eties that believe in good governance and willing to take the South African Red Cross is SGS Audit," Buruku said. now the Vice Chairman, replacing Ethiopian Red KRC Governor Paul Cross. The new mem- Birech said NEPARC bers to the NEPARC had come a long way, executive include adding that one of the Liberia Red Cross, objectives of the 5th Burkinafaso Red Cross AGM was to take stock of and Central African Red where the organization has Cross Societies. Kenya Red Cross been and its future. He appealed was seconded to the executive since it to all RC/RC in Africa to work close- is hosting the NEPARC ly with their respec- Secretariat in Nairobi. The Governor of Kenya Red Cross, Mr. Paul Birech (R), Mr. tive governments Buruku (3rd R) and the President of Japanese Red Cross, Mr. since they (RC/RC) Konoe Taderu (2nd L) during the NEPARC General Assembly. This was during the are auxiliary bodies to NEPARC General Assembly that was The General Assembly among others governments. officially opened in Nairobi, Kenya by discussed the NEPARC activity the Kenyan Government Foreign report February-August 2009, Sir Nick Young, Secretary General Affairs Minister Moses Wetangula. NEPARC and the 5-year SGS and British Red Cross, who represented The meeting which run from August NGOs benchmarking standard expe- the Participating National Societies at 28-29 started off with the NEPARC rience, Strategic Alliance building, the meeting said, "We are glad to sup- board meeting at the newly construct- Strategic partnership, Strategic think- port this initiative of NEPARC. ed Red Court Conference hall. Kenya ing on NEPARC 5-year achievements Africa has answers for its own sus- Red Cross Society hosted the meet- and NEPARC vision towards 2010, tainability." ing, which was attended by over 30 IFRC Strategy 2020. The General African Red Cross & Red Crescent Assembly climaxed with elections. At the meeting, two aspiring IFRC Societies and Participating National presidential candidates Konoe Taderu Socieities (PNS). Minister Wetangula said Red and Dr. Mario Villaroel Lander URCS was represented at the meeting Cross/Red Crescent (RC/RC) addressed the meeting about what by the Secretary General Mr. Michael Societies all over the world are syn- they will offer to Africa if elected Richard Nataka and Senior Public onymous with the human challenge. President of the Federation. Taderu is Relations Officer, Ms. Catherine He noted the presence of RC/RC the President of Japanese Red Cross Ntabadde who provided support to everywhere in any situation. while Lander is the President of Venezuela Red Cross. 22 The Humanitarian July-September Networking Secretary General to chair RC-NET By Catherine Ntabadde Seychelles (Indian Ocean Islands). Uganda Red Cross Secretary General Mr. Mr. Nataka’s committee is Michael Richard Nataka tasked to implement the plans has been elected to chair of the RC-NET. The commit- the Eastern Africa Red tee works through the four Cross Red Crescent working groups for Health and Network (RC-NET). Care, Organisational The elections were con- Development, ducted during the RC- Communications and Disaster Management. NET General Assembly Mr. Nataka with other members of the RC-NET in Nairobi. that took place in Nairobi from August 31-September 1, 2009. cedures of the RC NET, chairman’s Mr. Nataka said the overall report, reports of the 4 working objective of the RC-NET is to harness Other members elected to the steering groups, the Pan African Conference the strength and opportunities of its committee are from Rwanda, Sudan 2008, proceedings of the 2008 General collective membership towards NS and Madagascar Red Cross/Red Assembly, agenda for the 17th session capacity growth and development. Crescent Societies. RC-NET is a net- of the Federation General Assembly. work of Red Cross Red Crescent The IFRC Eastern Africa zone office Societies of 14 National Societies that Members of the RC-NET include; hosts the RC-NET secretariat and pro- constitute the Eastern African Zone of Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda (East vides technical support to the Working the International Federation of Red Africa sub region), Djibouti, Eritrea, groups. The General Assembly sits Cross/Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). Ethiopia, Somalia and Sudan (Horn of once every year and it is attended by Africa sub region), Burundi and governance and management of Red The RC-NET General Assembly dis- Rwanda (Great lakes sub region), Cross/Red Crescent Societies of the cussed among others the rules of pro- Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius and RC-NET. Dissemination in Kisoro Communication Unit Busia Branch conducts high level dissemination By Steven Wamukota The 33 participants included the District Health officer and Busia Uganda Red Cross Society Busia Health Team, probation community Branch conducted a high level services, District speaker and Dissemination session with the aim District counselors, police, security of boosting membership recruit- and NGOs like Child fund, World ment, resource mobilization and Vision, Production Department. strengthening local partnership. Some of the top officials in Kisoro dis- After the dissemination session, the The objective of the activity was trict that turned up for the high level dis- District leadership pledged to sup- semination session in August. Among to share information about Red port Red Cross activities in the them was the district speaker (R) and Cross activities in Busia District and District. the Resident District Commissioner. to bring on board more partners.