The Humanitarian All you need to know about Red Cross Society activities July - September 2008

Residents of Kapelebyong Sub County in District fetch water from one of the boreholes constructed by Uganda Red Cross in the area The Humanitarian July - September 2008 1 Editorial Inside the issue In July, representatives from National Societies allover Africa and the Rome Consensus met in Entebbe with the intent to discuss and commit them- selves to finding a solution to the ever increasing drug abuse in the country and world over.

The Humanitarian Drug Policy in the offing is expected to be one of the tools to fight the vice affecting 200 million people worldwide. In Uganda, drug abuse has not only led to several cases of men- tal disorders but also economic set back, therefore it is everyone’s responsibility to work with Uganda Red Cross Society to find a solution to the problem.

The Government of Uganda is highly appreciated for its role and support to the National Society toward formulating the policy. The policy advocates that the abusers be treated as patients instead of criminals Page 3 as has been the case. Staff bid farewell to outgoing

Road accidents also being on the increase in the Secretary General country pose a life threat, therefore the URCS through its Road Safety programme in July painted zebra crossings around the city as a measure of reducing accidents. All road users should respect the signs if we are to make accidents history.

This time round we bid farewell to Mrs.Alice Uwase Anukur, former secretary general, who diligently served URCS for eight years.The former Deputy Secretary General is acting as the Secretary General and the Head of Health and Care, Dr. Bildard Baguma, is acting as the his deputy. Editorial team: Design and layout; Hasifa Kabejja, Assistant Page 6 Communications Officer Red Cross supports Teso Editorial adviser; Catherine Ntabadde, Public Relations Officer Farmers Photos by Catherine Ntabadde, Hasifa Kabejja, Charles Nsamba, Public Relations volunteer

Fundamental principles of Our Mission Our Vission the Red Cross Movement To improve the quality An empowered, healthy of life of the most vul- and self-sustaining nerable people in Humanity, Impartiality, community that Neutrality, Independence, Uganda as an effective and efficient humani- responds to the needs Voluntary service, Unity, tarian organization of the vulnerable Universality 2 The Humanitarian July - September 2008 Road safety - Kampala Central/North branches Red Cross, NSSF repaint zebra crossings By Suzan Akoth & Tina Makerere College Namubiru School gate and along Ben Kiwanuka Street Many people lose their lives on near Old Taxi park . roads due to poor road safety meas- ures. Uganda Red Cross Society “Promoting road safe- (URCS) in July partnered with ty is a corporate social National Social Security Fund (NSSF) responsibility and we to repaint zebra crossings in order to will work together to improve people’s safety on the roads ensure that the zebra in Kampala City. NSSF contributed crossings are rejuve- sh4.5 million to the project. nated,” said Mr. The re-painting exercise was officially Nataka. He further launched at the main Post Office on mentioned that last URCS Acting Secretary Michael Nataka and NSSF Kampala Road by the URCS year NSSF supported Managing Director Chandi Jamwa paint the zebra Secretary General Mr. Michael URCS in assisting the crossing at Post Office on Kampala Road. Nataka and the NSSF Managing Northern flood victims. high quality paint for the zebra cross- Director, Mr. David Chandi Jamwa. ings will make them to stay longer. The NSSF Managing Director, Mr. Re-painting zebra crossings is part of Staff members of both organisations Jamwa, pointed out that police URCS’ Road Safety Programme. Mr. participated in the painting of the reports showed that 9,144 accidents Nataka promised to continue work- zebra crossings. The repainted zebra occurred in 2006 with over 310 peo- ing with NSSF and other organisa- crossings included that at the main ple losing their lives and this greatly tions in promoting the well being of Post Office along Kampala road, called for action. He said the use of the society particularly on the use of Makerere University main gate, the roads. Soroti Branch URCS trains volunteers in HIV/AIDS, domestic violence Hasifa Kabejja Gender Based violence (GBV). the selected camps.

The trainees included camp leaders, Topics tackled included the Uganda Red Cross Society in July women representatives and youth. Volunteer Policy, Dissemination of trained 40 volunteers from the The training that run from 10th- Red Cross movement and basics camps of Amugei, Adepar and 18th July was aimed at exploring and Ajeleik in and Amuria facts about HIV/AIDS like the HIV clarifying the basic facts about Sub Branch in basic facts about and immune system, the modes of HIV/AIDS HIV/AIDS and GBV and to guide transmission, biological risk, oppor- and volunteers to improve their skills tunistic infections, STD/STI and and attitudes toward conducting ARV therapy. Under gender based awareness sessions. violence, the volunteers were taken through the definition of Gender, It was also aimed at sharing experi- violence, human rights, the types, ences on health matters affecting causes, effects and prevention GBV. different camps, improving partici- pants’ awareness about the Red The trainees are expected to conduct Cross Movement and establishing HIV/AIDS and GBV awareness performance requirements of volun- sessions in their respective camps. A volunteer coordinator dis- teers who will be implementing the They are also expected to form seminates during the training. HIV/AIDS and GBV activities in drama groups in the camps. The Humanitarian July - September 2008 3 Farewell party Fare thee well Alice By Hasifa Kabejja

Career progression is vital for person’s development; no one should stay at one workplace for more than five years, the Chairman of Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS), Mr. Tom Mrs. Alice Anukur Buruku, advised staff in his farewell message to the outgoing Secretary General, Mrs. Alice Uwase Anukur.

The function that was graced by the URCS Goodwill Ambassador, also a daughter to President The National Treasurer, Mr. Stephen Mutenyo, shares a light Yoweri Museveni, Mrs. Natasha Karugire, and sev- moment with Alice as the URCS Chairman, Mr. Tom Buruku eral corporates, took place at Imperial Royale Hotel (L), and Alice’s husband, Mr Luther Anukur, look on. in Kampala on 21st July.

Mr. Buruku said Mrs. Anukur’s regime had realized several achievements for the National Society. “During Alice’s regime, the URCS budget rose to Shs21 billion up from Shs15 billion. We were also subjected to an SGS audit test in 2006 in which we scored impressively with 90.7% hence receiving a certificate of compliance for 18 months effective January 2007,” he said.

Other speakers of the day who included the outgoing chairperson of the Great Women of Charity (fundraise for URCS), Mrs. Cecilia Lwanga, and the Inspector General of Police, Maj. Gen. Kale Kayihura, praised Mrs. Anukur as a commit- ted, hardworking and focused person. The URCS President congratulated Mrs. Anukur upon her new appointment and cautioned staff to continue performing their duties diligently to further uplift the image of the Red Cross.

In her farewell speech, Mrs. Anukur said she was impressed that URCS had attained its objective of being the leading assistance provider in the country.

“This has been evidenced through the capacity and experience of the National Society to mobilize assistance for vast and diverse sets vulnerable people that require external intervention like the numerous victims of road accidents; families and institutions affected by fires; households affected by floods and storms in Eastern and Central Uganda and families affected by drought,” she said.

Mrs. Anukur said URCS had continu- ously provided relief assistance and resettled and rehabilitated the people of northern Uganda who have for nearly two decades The Fundraising Taskforce Chairperson, been internally dis- Mrs. Cecilia Lwanga (L) delivers the groups placed. farewell message as other members look on. (2nd L-R) Mrs. Fancy Ogweng, Mr. Peter Mrs. Anukur (C) and Mr. Anukur (R) Kore, Mrs. Ajman Khan and Ms. Grace Obua. Turn to page 4 share a moment with URCS staff. 4 The Humanitarian July - September 2008 URCS bids farewell to outgoing Secretary General From page 3 include the URCS board members, the mize our strength and experiences for “There are tons and tons of memories Great Women of Charity, the volun- a stronger and greater Uganda Red and testimonies by people of how teers, the Goodwill Ambassador, MTN Cross,” she said. Red Cross made a difference in the Uganda, Barclays Bank, the govern- lives of others. Each time I introduce ment of Uganda, donors like USAID, “As a person, the Red Cross has built my self as working for the Red Cross DFID and SIDA and the Red Cross me and exposed me to other parts of (RC), someone comes and says I family (ICRC and IFRC). the world and given me experience to know what RC has done; the beauty contribute to issues beyond the about all this is that great work has Mrs. Anukur said when she joined national level at Africa regional level been accomplished,” she said. URCS as Deputy Secretary General in and at the global level. I am also 2000, she found the National Society happy that the opportunity to serve Mrs. Anukur commended organiza- strongly committed to serve the vul- the Red Cross which is the largest tions and individuals who she said gave nerable and this remained her motiva- humanitarian movement in the world off their time, financial and material tion throughout her tenure. has been fruitful and a step for me to resources to support Red Cross work. “I am happy that at this point of exit move to Oxfam the World’s reknown The organizations and individuals there is even greater potential to maxi- advocacy agency for the poor. Branch news Kampala central trains Birthday schools in road safety By Charles Nsamba

Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS) in partnership with Arrive Alive Uganda in July launched a three-month road safety awareness campaign in schools in Kampala. The campaign that was launched in 10 schools, was aimed at creating awareness about road safety among The Acting Secretary General, Mr. school children. The children Michael Richard Nataka, made 40 were educated on how to save years on 17th July. Wish you lives of road accident victims many more happy years and the importance of using Obituary safety gears while on the road.

URCS officials address students from The schools are Kampala High Kampala schools. School, Kireka Primary school, City High School, Kibuye Primary School, Kyambogo College School, Buganda Road Primary School, Mengo Senior School, St. Peters Primary and St. Peters Secondary Schools Nsambya and Lubiri Senior School.

The campaign is expected to end in October 2008. Participating schools were given safety gears like helmets, and visible road signs were planted along the roads around participating schools. URCS together with Arrive Victor Nandyose passed away on Alive also distributed information, educational and communication (IEC) 2nd July, 2008. She served the materials like T-shirts and posters with road safety messages in the partic- URCS as a volunteer for three ipating schools. URCS was in charge of the sensitization exercise while years. May her soul rest in Arrive Alive distributed the safety gadgets. eternal peace The Humanitarian July - September 2008 5

Wakiso Branch

Teachers and pupils of Kasangati Education Pupils of Kasangati Education Centre Centre compete in a football match. compete in athletics. Red Cross school celebrates sports day By Catherine Ntabadde after URCS' Acting Secretary explained General, Mr. Michaeal Nataka. The They say work without play makes second House was Simbwa House In addition, the school has tents, Jack a dull boy. Indeed this was wit- with 293 points. Simbwa House is chairs, a band, disco which are rent- nessed on July 26, 2008 at named after the Wakiso Branch ed out to support it. According to Kyaddondo County Grounds in Field Coordinator. It was followed Mr. Ssimbwa, the school owns 20 Wakiso District as pupils of the by Schmocker House 264 and acres of land and construction of newly opened Kasangati Education Centre participated in a variety of Roger House 256 points. the school premises is ongoing. games during a sports day. Schmocker and Roger are named after two representatives of UBS The guest of honor, Mr. Robert Kasangati Education Centre is a Optimum Foundation. Ssebunya, URCS Board vice chair- school run by Uganda Red Cross man hailed UBS Optimus Society (URCS) through its Kasangati Education Centre Foundation for its contribution say- Wakiso Branch, thanks to UBS caters for 400 vulnerable chil- ing it will go along way in alleviat- Optimus Foundation that provid- dren. Clad in a red track suit, ing the suffering of those vulnera- ed funds to facilitate the opening Wakiso Branch Field Coordinator, ble children who cannot have of the institute. Mr. Khalid Ssimbwa, told guests access to education. "Our focus as that the school caters for all educa- Red Cross is to improve the lives of Apart from having fun and keeping tion needs of the pupils. He said those in need. Today we are wit- fit, the pupils had to play hard to under the same project, there is a nessing one of the ways through win a bull and trophies. After the farm with 350 pigs and 1, 500 birds which we reach out to those vulner- football match, the bull was dis- for income generating purposes. able people," Mr. Ssebunya said. played in the middle of the play- "We are also undertaking agricul- ground to ensure that pupils con- ture. We grow various crops like He called upon parents, district and tinue competing while having a maize, matooke and cassava. Some sub county leaders and community glance the winning prize. And the of the food is for feeding the chil- members to protect the project say- winner was? Nataka House with dren while the rest is for income ing it does not belong to URCS but 300 points. Nataka house is named generating for the school," he the community. 6 The Humanitarian July - September 2008 Agriculture Red Cross supports Teso farmers By Catherine Ntabadde income through group farming on our prolonged assistance to this area. large scale production and URCS is every where in Uganda. They have been engaged in farming growing of high value Our presence in the country is an but mainly for food consumption. crops with care- indicator that there is a humanitarian Much as they could have some food ful under- need or problem," he said. to eat, they do need income to meet their other needs. That is why Mr. Nataka explained that in the last Uganda Red Cross Society four years, URCS has distrib- (URCS) has come in to cluster uted 60, 000 seed kits in them into groups to achieve Amuria & Katakwi dis- these objectives. These are tricts. In 2008 alone, 10, farmers based in Amuria, 000 seed kits and seeds one of the districts heavily Residents of wait to receive have been distributed in the affected by floods in 2007. Oxen and Ox-plough from URCS officials. Teso region. URCS further As part of URCS' food security intends to distribute 11, 000 programme, 60 farmers groups have seeds in the same region for 2nd been formed. Each group has 15-25 stand- planting season. Mr. Ecweru com- farmers. In order to boost their pro- ing of envi- mended URCS for its continued duce for food consumption and mar- ronmental changes. operations across the country, adding keting, 30 farmers groups on July 19, that the organisation is different 2008 received 60 oxen and 15 ox from some humanitarian organisa- ploughs. These equipment were tions that don't deliver what they handed over by State Minister pledge. for Disaster Preparedness Musa Ecweru and URCS He hailed URCS for catalysing Acting Secretary General recovery in the region. He how- Michael Nataka in Urungo sub ever noted that hunger has county, Amuria district. struck in the country. "There is hunger in Teso region. It is now The function was also graced by the wider and goes beyond areas that Central Governing Board The Minister of State for Disaster Preparedness, were affected by floods," Ecweru regional representative for Hon. Musa Ecweru tries out an Ox-plough during noted. He warned the beneficiar- North Eastern, Mr. Martin the distribution exercise in Urungo Sub County. ies of the URCS’ income generat- Otuba. The objectives of this project are: ing project against using the bulls 1.To organize communities in donated for marriage. The Minister URCS has embarked on an income groups for block farming with further said URCS is a very credible generating programme that will see modern agriculture practices. institution and that is why most farmers have access to food but also 2.To make demonstration gardens donors want to associate with the increase their income through com- with the help of Arapai organisation. mercial farming. This project, which Agriculture College students for is part of URCS' food security pro- developing high value seedlings. The income generating programme gramme, is targeting 60 farmers will also include provision of seeds, groups. In May 2008, URCS The Acting Secretary General, Mr. training of village based volunteers launched a food security strategy that Michael Nataka, said the project on better agriculture practices, estab- aims at ensuring food availability, which has been on for three years is lishment of seed fare centres and accessibility and utilisation. also meant to complement the nutri- mobilisation of the beneficiaries and The income generating programme tion of the internally displaced peo- provision of bicycles to parish based will enable farmers increase their ple (IDP). "We are here to witness volunteers to monitor the project. The Humanitarian July - September 2008 7 Branch news Jinja celebrates youth day Red Cross By Hasifa Kabejja & Charles Nsamba improves The International Youth Day that falls on 12th August every year is one the annual events that various branches of Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS) sanitation in engage in to show commitment toward serving the youth and to test the youth’s knowledge about the National Society’s activities. Amuria, Katakwi By Leah Nabunya The international theme for this year’s celebrations was Youth and Climatic Change, Time to take Action, but Jinja branch that held the fifth annual youth Uganda Red Cross Society day celebrations on 12th July adopted a theme “You and I in partnership to (URCS) continues to act as a serve the vulnerable” to train the youth in ways of addressing vulnerability since major player in provision of safe climate change also leads to vulnerability. water and sanitation services in Uganda. Activities conducted to mark the day included tree planting, blood donation and drama competitions among the youth links in the branch. Tree planting was URCS has constructed 145 done in commemoration of the international theme. The trees were planted at bathing shelters in Atiri and the branch offices by among others the URCS Acting Secretary General Michael Torama camps in Katakwi dis- Nataka and the Society Vice Chairman, Mr. Robert Ssebunya. trict. Latrines have also been con- structed in the districts of Fifteen youth links including Katakwi and Amuria. Twenty Jinja College, Jinja SS, Good institutional latrines have been set Heart SS, Masese Girls SS, up in 18 primary schools while Nakanyonyi SS, Busoga 450 family latrines have been College Mwiri, Holy Cross erected in various sub counties in SS, Wailaka College and the two districts. Wanyange Girls participated in the drama competition In order to provide safe water under the theme “You and I to the community, the organi- in Partnership to Serve the sation has taken a centre stage Jinja youth perform during the Youth Day. Vulnerable”, with Good in constructing boreholes for Heart SS emerging winners. The links displayed skills of helping the vulnerable the community. Twenty bore- including provision of first aid services, food and non food items to the needy. holes have been rehabilitated in Katakwi and Amuria and the Speaking at the function, the Escom Managing Director, Ms. Nokwanda Mngeni, community has been sensitised said she was deeply touched by the vulnerable serving the vulnerable. “Today’s on proper usage. youth is bombarded with unemployment, absent or unable parents, as a result they have to fend for themselves to get educated. All kinds of abuses are directed at Sixteen contaminated boreholes women and youth. So the young person has every right to be angry at life, but you have been disinfected with chlo- have chosen to help the vulnerable and this is very encouraging,” she said. rine. The organisation also pro- cured and distributed five repair She said those who engage in serving the vulnerable may seem like they are just pump kits to five sub counties in volunteering and helping, but the fact is they are building in themselves the Amuria and Katakwi. URCS has capacity to be considerate and responsible citizens. trained 35 volunteers in effective water source management. Regarding environmental protection, Mr. Ssebunya said the youth from 85% of the URCS volunteer force can play a vital role in addressing climatic change by The organisation has also been sensitizing communities on the importance of green vegetation and encouraging influential in promoting hygiene them to plant trees. He appealed to the Escom MD to consider increasing in the community by sending out power supply in the country, saying it is one of the ways through which the awareness messages through environment can be protected from degraders. radio spots and talk shows. 8 The Humanitarian July - September 2008

1

Serving humanity I

2 The Humanitarian July - September 2008 9

1. URCS Vice Chairman Robert Ssebunya (in gray suit) washes his hands after planting a tree at the Jinja Branch office. This was during the branch youth day celebrations on 12th July. Looking on are the Entebbe Branch Field Coordinator, Mr. Shaban Mawanda (R), the Acting Secretary General, Mr. Michael Richard Nataka (2nd R) and a member of the Central Governing Board, Mr. Godffrey Kaganda (in red).

2. Staff during a URCS central planning meeting at Tal Cottages in Kabusu, Kampala.

3. Mr. Frank Dewez, Head of the Ordina team with other 3 ordina members and URCS staff try out Ordina t-shirts after a consultative meeting at the URCS headquarters in August. The Ordina team was contracted by the to help URCS in the regionalization process.

4. (I) A sample of the huts that internally displaced people used to live in before the floods. (II). One of the modern huts that the URCS has contructed for the flood victims in Katakwi and Amuria districts in Eastern Uganda.

5. Residents and URCS officials welcome a British consultant on risk reduction at the Rukungiri branch office in August.

6. The staff of UNMONUC pose for a photo at their II 4 offices in Entebbe. This was after their final assess- ment in first aid training by Musalaba Mwekundu Ltd, a company that mobilizes resources for URCS.

6

5 10 The Humanitarian July - September 2008 Drug Abuse Humanitarian drug policy in the offing By Hasifa Kabejja

A humanitarian policy to curb drug abuse worldwide is in the offing.

Representatives from National Societies in Eastern and Southern Africa in July held a two-day regional meeting in Entebbe, Uganda to share information and challenges posed by drug abuse and to commit themselves to finding solutions. The meeting was the second conference – Rome Consensus to be organized for the African region. The first meeting was held in December 2007 in Cape Verde for the West and Central African regions.

Red Cross and Red Crescent societies allover the world find it fit to treat drug users as patients who need care and support and therefore the need for a humanitarian approach to the problem.

Why the humanitarian policy? Speaking during the conference on 4th July, the Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS) Chairman, Mr Tom Buruku, said the Humanitarian Drug Policy is a result of wide consultations and sharing of practical experiences by the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies which have realized that despite vari- ous policies and vigorous efforts by the Police, the Ministry of Health and other government institutions worldwide, drug abuse remains a society hazard that requires change and more innovative humanitarian approaches.

Drug abuse and trafficking is on the increase with an estimated 200 million drug users world- wide. The URCS Chairman, Mr. Tom Buruku, addresses participants “ at the conference. Looking on are the State Minister for “Already, 110 Red Cross Health in charge of General Duties, Mr. Richard Nduhura (3rd The Humanitarian R), the President of , Mr. Bara Emmanuel and Red Crescent Drug Policy seeks to and some members of the Rome Consensus. Societies have commit- revise the traditional ted themselves by signing the Humanitarian Drug Policy,” Mr. Buruku said. “The thinking regarding Humanitarian Drug Policy seeks to revise the traditional thinking regarding drug abusers as drug abusers as criminals. It advocates that they should be treated as patients and persons that need our sup- criminals port, rehabilitation and positive behavioral change.” Mr. Buruku said the Humanitarian Drug Policy is also based on the premise that drug abuse is not only a personal problem but a social and public issue.

The policy recognizes that the dramatic increase in drug consumption has been accompanied by an increase in drug production and trafficking associated with extreme poverty and breakdown in social fabric. It therefore seeks to pro- tect public health, security, to reduce the suffering of the abusers and their families from discrimination and to limit the damage associated with drug use to both individuals and the society. Mr. Buruku called on leaders and representa- tives of the different National Societies and institutions to join efforts to ratify the policy.

The humanitarian approach is timely as the government of Uganda is planning to review the Drug Policy and update the legislation. In a speech read by the State Minister for Health in charge of General Duties, the Prime Minister, Prof. Apolo Nsibambi, said like HIV, drug abuse has no boundaries because it affects the abuser and the community, and therefore a phenomenon that requires multi-sectoral approaches. “The humanitarian policy being disseminated today has all the aspects to address the drug challenges if national societies can put it into practice. I hope this policy will be a field tool to reverse the negative drug abuse and trafficking trends in our regions,” he said. The Humanitarian July - September 2008 11

Bundibugyo Branch Ensuring safety at workplace URCS trains volunteers in fuel Staff acquire skills conservation By Charles Nsamba in fire fighting Uganda Red Cross Society Bundibugyo branch in July con- By Hasifa Kabejja bustible materials and poor electrical ducted a 12-day training of 20 wiring can also lead to fire outbreak. trainers of trainers (TOT) in Since the fire that gutted Budo the use of renewable energy Other causes of fires, he said, include saving stoves. Junior School in April, killing 20 chil- dren, fire outbreaks have increased taking calls at fuel service stations, overcharging batteries or mobile The training, which was con- countrywide, therefore, there is need ducted in Rwebishengo Sub to take precaution to prevent any phones, talking on phone while charg- County in the parishes of eventuality that may cause loss of ing it and reckless welding. Kiranga, Bweramure and lives and thousands of property. Haibale run from 23rd July to 3rd August 2008. As a measure of preparing for any Mr. Fred Wambi, the chief outbreak, trainer from Energy Concern, Uganda Red said he trained the participants Cross Society in the use of two types of (URCS) recently stoves, namely, the rocket lore- hired the na and the shielded stove. Assistant These stoves are made from Superintendent local materials like anthill or of Police, Mr. clay soil, dry grass, water, dry Simon Peter banana leaves and bricks. Musoke, to train staff in fire safe- “The materials and nature of ty measures. URCS driver Natali Ochama, tries out a fire extinguisher these stoves help to conserve at the office grounds in August. fuel wood which makes them “Fire can occur environmentally friendly,” Mr everywhere at anytime so it must Mr. Musoke asked the URCS manage- Wambi said. “Compared to the be everybody’s responsibility to ment to install fire extinguishers in all three stone stove, the rocket ensure that all things that can lead offices saying they are the most effec- lorena and the shielded stove to fire outbreak are in control,” Mr. tive way of putting out fire. He also save between 30 to 40 percent Musoke told staff in his opening said fire alarms, smoke detectors and of fuel wood.” remarks. manual call points can be very helpful in fighting fire. It has also been noted that He cautioned staff to avoid overload- because the renewable energy ing electric circuits, to unplug electri- “Cultivate a culture of safety and saving stoves, specifically the cal appliances whenever they are leav- security on the premises and avoid rocket lorena are meant to be locking emergency doors. The estates used from a kitchen, several ing office and to avoid irresponsible officer should ensure regular testing, homesteads have been encour- smoking habits and using candles. aged to construct kitchens. inspection and maintenance of elec- The training was funded by Mr. Musoke said heat producing trical systems at the premise,” Mr. Oxfam GB. appliances placed on or near com- Musoke cautioned. The Humanitarian July - September 2008 12 Gulu/Lira branches URCS offers pyschosocial support to children By Aworo Lilian IHL, self help initiatives, family trac- neighborhood heard a child scream- ing/ reunion and referrals. ing. They ran to my rescue but I was With a mission of improving the Beneficiaries' accounts already burnt. My parents returned quality of life of the most vulnerable Ojok Emmanuel aged 13 years, a from the garden and found me in a people in Uganda as an effective and Primary 5 pupil in Gulu town primary completely pathetic state, I was efficient humanitarian organization, school, is one of the project benefici- rushed to Lacor Hospital where I the Ugandan Red Cross, through its received medication, unfortunately for community development me despite the medication, the Programme in partnership & sup- burn left me in a state that has port from the , caused me denial and discrimina- has embarked on yet another of tion among other children at the most challenging areas, of addressing psychological chal- school, I defecate all the time lenges encountered by children without control and the smell is and their families in war affected unbearable! areas. Unfortunately for me also, in Pioneering the project in its 2004, my father was murdered by branches of Lira and Gulu dis- the LRA rebels in an ambush, leav- tricts, concentration of the project The psychosocial focal person, Gulu, ing me with a mother who decid- activities are in the sub counties of Ms. Lillian Aworo, counsels an ex- ed to neglect me and abandoned Ongako and Bungatira in Gulu me since 2005. I understand she abducted child. district and Aloi & Amugu in Lira got married to another man. I district, supporting a total of 320 chil- aries and shared his life story with the am now living with my uncle who has dren plus their families. focal person and community volun- tried to take care of me alongside his teer counselors while on a visit at his children. Through a network of staff at the school and home. At a certain point I dropped out of branch, region and national level, as "One morning in 1997, [at age of 3] school, my classmates used to despise well as volunteers who comprise my parents had gone to the garden me, that I am very poor, smelly, don't Trainers of Trainers (TOTs), CVCs and left me at home alone. They left have shoes for school and many other and ordinary community volunteers, some food at the fireplace, which was insults. The thought of going to leaders and CSO, interventions are burning, hoping to return and find it school was unbearable. carried out under the International ready for lunch. Out of curiosity, I Thank You very much for caring for Red Cross and Red Crescent funda- reached out to the fireplace and acci- me, for coming to see me at least now mental principles focusing on psycho- dentally fell into it! All my bottoms other children will see that there are socio counseling, children recreation got burnt and I sat screaming and people who like me" the young boy fora, psycho socio trainings, dissemi- helpless until some people from the said Turn to page 13 nation of Red Cross principles and Kisoro Branch trains community disseminators By Mahoro Goretti the district through dissemination. Management Programme Officer, & Mwizera Gerald Mr. Francis Byaruhanga and the The five-day training that was con- International Committee of the Uganda Red Cross Society ducted at the Kisoro Branch office Red Cross (ICRC) Cooperation (URCS) in August trained 10 volun- was facilitated by among others the Assistant, Ms. Faith Akiror. teers from Kisoro District with the Mbarara Regional Programme aim of empowering them with Officer Organizational Topics covered included the knowledge and skills to increase Development, Mr. Kyomukama awareness about the Red Cross in Johnson, the Mbarara Disaster Turn to page 13 The Humanitarian July - September 2008 13 URCS provides pyschosocial support to children From page 12 tives of our late father and the com- school, life became meaningless, we before breaking down to tears. munity around Atiak resented us and all seemed to hate each other especial- Emmanuel's class teacher appreciated kept insulting us since we always had ly our ill mother who keeps falling the idea of visiting him at school say- to beg for food and other support sick. ing that he hates coming to school from our neighbors. Our mother is because other children insult him, but very weak Thanks to the Red Cross volunteers the visit was a great encouragement. and who paid us a visit during their assessment exercise and accepted to URCS psychosocial project therefore comfort us. Ever since you came to is out to reach out to all persons fac- this home we have regained hope, ing different sorts of psychological mummy now knows how to han- challenges, particularly those at the dle her sickness and feels she has verge of losing hope in life. friends to share with in the group "you formed", she normally meets Aromorach Eunice aged seven years; with. I have come to like school a primary one pupil in Bungatira more because of your guidance and Central Primary School, Gulu, also a can counseling and look forward to week- beneficiary shared this with the proj- hardly do ends when I can interact with other ect focal person and community Ms. Aworo prepares some of the children through the sports and volunteer counselors while on a children under the URCS psychoso- drama activities. home visit at her household. "I cial project in Gulu for a match. came here [Owak - Agonga] early Children and caregivers reached this year in March 2008, together with anything to earn an income to keep testify and greatly appreciate each four of my brothers and sisters plus us in school, feed us, and take care of moment that the URCS Volunteers our mother who is HIV+ and very other household chores. The com- take time off to spend with them. weak. We lived in Atiak with our munity described us as a nuisance and Psychosocial support has proven to father until early this year when he wished we left the place. be one of the ways that the URCS died and left us under the care of our Our grandmother decided to offer us will empower communities and create mother who is very weak. Life a hut at her homestead here, where self-sustainability among the most became so different and difficult, rela- we are now. We had dropped out of vulnerable persons. Kisoro branch trains disseminators From page 12 ing, the Branch Governing History of the Red Cross, princi- Board Chairman, ples, the Red Cross structure, Mr. Nturo cau- URCS activities, the International tioned the partic- Humanitarian Law, ideals and mem- ipants to dili- bership recruitment. gently perform their duties to The training was reinforced by the improve the fact that the majority of Kisoro res- image of the idents are ignorant about the Red National Society. The Mbarara Regional Programme Officer, Cross. At the end of the training, Organizational Development, Mr Johnson Kyomukama, the trainees where given an oppor- He commended trains Kisoro community disseminators. tunity to disseminate in two higher the International Committee of the boost the image of the National institutions of learning under the Red Cross and URCS for facilitat- Society through the awareness cre- assessment of the trainers. ing the training saying it would ated by the disseminators. Speaking at the closure of the train- 14 The Humanitarian July - September 2008 HIV/AIDS Red Cross scales up fight against stigma By Sam Mugisha mentally fight stigma and discrimi- and volunteers of Red Cross in nation right from the Federation to need of this fund use it appropri- The Red Cross society is greatly zonal level as well as national soci- ately. committed to fight HIV/AIDS at ety level. It will also trickle down all levels. to branches of Red Cross and Red As a national society we are chal- Crescent societies. lenged to embrace this idea if the It out of this commitment that the fight against HIV/AIDS is to be Red Cross and Red Crescent+ RCRC+ are to be the champions successful. ''HIV/AIDS is with us (RCRC+) was formed in Geneva of masambo fund and as a net- so it is us to take the lead in the mid this year and it is to funda- work has to ensure that more staff fight against the epidemic. Apac Branch in AIDS prevention drive From Apac

Within the next one year, URCS intends to reach over 250,000 people with messages on HIV/AIDS Prevention. This was revealed by the Branch Field Coordinator (BFC) of Apac while addressing 45 clients being supported by the Home Based Care Project fund- ed by the Civil Society Fund.

According to the BFC Simon Peter Anyanzo, the branch will under the Home Based Care Project roll out preven- A Red Cross volunteer sensitizes residents tion services to the eight project sub counties, Landing of Akokoro about HIV/AIDS. sites in Akokoro and UCC Aduku amongst others. He revealed that already the branch has facilitated the cre- ation of 130 condom distribution outlets in areas that are hard to reach in an effort to promote safe sex.

Calling for the need to boost awareness, the BFC further revealed that the branch will be supporting PWLH groups in the eight sub counties for drama and talk shows on HIV within the branch and project areas.

In yet another event, Apac branch has stepped up efforts at providing care support and prevention activi- ties as its contribution to fighting HIV/AIDS in the two districts of Oyam and Apac. The branch carried out over 30 community awareness sessions and radio talk shows on HIV within different sub counties reaching Community members of Atopi Trading Centre over 60,000 with preventive messages. read HIV awareness materials after a sensitiza- tion session. The Humanitarian July - September 2008 15 Floods recovery programme Federation of Uganda Employers donates to URCS By Catherine Ntabadde Emergency Phase which ended that they go back to their normal December 2007 while sh3b is lives,” he said. The Uganda Red Cross Society towards the Early (URCS) has sunk sh8b in Teso and Recovery Under the Early Recovery Northern Uganda districts formerly Programme, Nataka said URCS is hit by floods, the Acting building 10, 000 floods resistant huts Secretary General Mr. Michael with raised grounds, rehabilitating Nataka has said. water sources that were con- taminated or destroyed, pro- The sh8b has been spent on viding seeds and tools. the Floods Emergency Phase and Floods Early Recovery “We are grateful to FUE Programme. Mr. Nataka said the for its contribution. We sh8b was raised from hope this partnership can internal (local) and URCS Acting Secretary General Michael Nataka (C) after receiving a cheque from the FUE Vice be strengthened,” he said. external partners. Sh1b Chairman William Muhairwe (L). Looking on is was raised locally in FUE Executive Director Rose Ssenabulya. FUE’s cheque was handed Uganda. over to Nataka by FUE Vice- chairman Dr. William Muhairwe. He was speaking during a ceremo- Muhairwe said, “This is a just a ny to receive sh3m from the token. More support will be coming Federation of the Uganda Employers from us. We appreciate Red Cross’ (FUE) at their offices in Ntinda on Programme efforts in helping out those people.” Thursday (July 30, 2008). FUE’s con- that is scheduled to tribution will go towards the Floods end in September 2008. The FUE Executive Director, Mrs. Recovery Programme. Rose Ssenabulya, also said efforts “During the emergency operation, from FUE to reach out to the vulner- Of the sh8b so far spent, according you look at saving lives but after that, able through URCS are still ongoing. to Nataka, sh5b went to Floods people need to be rehabilitated so She pledged more support. URCS holds 2008 partnership meeting By Catherine Ntabadde the progress of imple- mentation of Strategic Once again they accepted to Plan 2007-2010, partner with Uganda’s leading to share URCS plans humanitarian organisation. They including resource mobil- sat, listened to the Uganda Red Cross (URCS) team and made isation plans and budgets contributions to the presenta- for 2009, to share with tions. And finally, they partners the success, announced their pledges to URCS challenges and lessons for the year 2009. learnt during implemen- tation, to review the This was during URCS’ partner- Some of the representatives of partner cooperation agreement ship meeting on September 16, organizations and URCS staff during the strategy for URCS and 2008 at Hotel Africana in meeting at Hotel Africana. partners. Kampala. Nataka, the objectives of the part- According to URCS Acting nership meeting were: To present The Central Secretary General Mr. Michael and discuss with the URCS partners Governing Turn to page 17 16 The Humanitarian July - September 2008 First Aid training Staff acquire advanced first aid skills By Catherine Ntabadde gency medical services. country are a distance from the com- munities. This means if an emer- Fifteen Uganda Red Cross Society The relationship between URCS and gency or accident occurred in a com- (URCS) staff and volunteers have MDA dates back in 2004 when a munity, causalities may not access undergone training in Intermediate team from MDA conducted a Train medical services in time. and Advanced Life Support skills and First Aid In cases where the causalities Instruction skills. are referred to a health facility, The two-week training that they might not be attended to run from July 28-August 7, in time given that the current 2008 in Mbarara was under- doctor to patient ratio is high. taken by Mr. Shimon Shitrit Currently, URCS runs a com- and Mr. Yossi Kitaro, munity based first aid pro- Paramedic Instructors of gramme where communities are equipped with basic first (MDA) International aid skills. With the training Institute. MDA Institute is conducted by MDA, communities run by MDA in Israel, the Mr. Yossi Kitaro (R) and Mr. Shimon Shitrit (R) from should be able to adminis- Red Cross Society in Israel. the Magen David Adom International Insititute, ter advanced first aid emer- Israel during a first aid training in Mbarara. gency response. “Within the next four years, more of Trainers Course for URCS staff people including the communities in Mr. Ssebunya said URCS is grateful to become first aid instructors. Uganda will have benefited from this for the continued cooperation with URCS and MDA is in negotiation of training. The 15 people trained will MDA, adding that the relationship setting up a National First Aid pass on the skills to others,” Mr. will be strengthened further. In 2004 Training Centre, the first of its kind Shitrit said. when the MDA team came to in the region. Uganda, they provided equipment to Clad in white Red Cross shirts, the URCS. Mr. Ssebunya said trainees graduated on August 7th, Mr. Kitaro said the with the training 2008. Each received a certificate trainees were skills acquired, from URCS Board Vice-Chairman always eager URCS will be Mr. Robert Ssebunya and the MDA to learn, able to handle team. The participants were from adding challenging emer- Mbarara Region, Branches of that they gencies Mbarara, Arua, Kampala West, will be within Mr. Kitaro (L) and Mr. Shitrit sort items good Mukono, Gulu, Busia, Lira, Mbale, they used for the first aid training. the Kabale, Moroto, Kampala Central instruc- commu- and Kampala International tors to nities. “With the University Bushenyi. others. advanced training, our Mr. Alex Sewalu, rep- staff will be providing ade- Mr. Shitrit said the course involved resentative of participants quate response that by the time a teaching Advanced First Aid tech- said with the causality is referred to hospital, niques and knowledge. In addition, increasing number he/she should be in good condition,” the participants were equipped with of accidents in the he said. training skills of how to teach practi- country, URCS needs to intensify its cal skills using modern equipment. operations in the field of first aid.He Why the advanced training? The participants also learnt about said the course content chosen was Currently, health facilities in the using ambulance services and emer- relevant to them. The Humanitarian July - September 2008 17 Uganda Red Cross holds 2008 partnership meeting From page 15 mence the construction of a Red ICRC Deputy Head of Delegation Board Chairman Mr. Tom Buruku Cross Plaza and a Regional in Uganda, Mr. Ali Naraghi, said hailed all the local and international Disaster Management Centre in ICRC will slightly reduce its presence partners that have continuously sup- Mbale are still on. in Uganda in the coming years given ported URCS. He said in 2009, the prevailing security in the country. URCS’ programming will increase to IFRC’s Ken Odur said the Federation include programmes like Food securi- is proud of URCS. He explained that He noted that in 2009, they will con- ty programme, Risk Reduction, Drug the Red Cross Movement is continu- tinue focusing on assisting the most and substance abuse, Aviation ously being challenged to respond to vulnerable in the remote rural areas Influenza, focus on regionalisation their needs of the vulnerable, emer- of Northern Uganda, support health and general fundraising through gencies and disasters across the centres in Nemule, Kitgum and cooperation and investment. globe. He hailed URCS for its suc- Fortportal, hygiene promotion activi- cessful handling of recent emergen- ties, water & sanitation, detention He also said URCS plans to com- cies and disasters in the country. activities and tracing. Serving the needy with passion By Charles Nsamba for all the years the people in nerable and yet some are very bright northern Uganda have and if given the opportunity, they When she walked into the communi- suffered; she has not felt can produce excellent results.” cation office, she greeted everyone the urgency of the situa- Nafula says that her goal is to make and introduced herself as Nafula. It tion among Ugandans. a difference in the girls’ future and was with no doubt that this was the when they become successful they person I had been expecting. The tall URCS supports can also go back to their home areas chocolate skinned lady did not take a over 2,460 and do the same for other young sit until she had been offered one. Orphans and girls in such situations. She looked intelligent and yet self- Vulnerable efficing. Children “I chose this humble approach from the because it is practical; I pro- “I came up with this idea because I central, vide school supplies, and felt I needed to lend a hand to a situ- north and other basics like sanitary ation, as an individual-a Ugandan cit- north east- pads because once these children izen,” Ms. Nafula Awori, Executive ern districts. have what they need, they can be Director 21st Century Capital and “Initially, the children were fully sup- able to pay attention and concentrate Consulting said. “Personally, I ported by URCS in terms of educa- while in class,” she adds. “I want to believe we should all find a way of tion and psychosocial support but treat this as a cycle; when I help one contributing to the development of because of insufficient funding, the child, I expect her to go back and the nation, and to me, there is no society could only provide the psy- help others who are in the same situ- question about that”. chosocial support”, Mr. Prosper ation.” She says that she is greatful Byonanebye, the programme officer to Uganda Red Cross for its contin- “I approached Uganda Red Cross, in charge of HIV/AIDS said. “Ms. ued efforts in serving the vulnerable, requesting them to identify an area Nafula approached us and asked to but added that this role should not where I could give any assistance, a take care of the education needs of be left to only NGOs but should be decision I took from the heart 11 girls, who were selected on extended even to individuals. because I felt I needed to do some- merit,” Mr. Byonanebye added. thing,” she narrates. “In life, one has “I always walk with these girls in my to decide whether to buy clothes, “I have always wanted to work with heart, despite the fact that I have not jewellery and other fancy things or to children, especially girls because they met them, Nafula says. “When my rally-round a soul some where to are marginalized, especially in our day ends, I know I’m going back to have a better life.” Nafula adds that African setting. They are more vul- them and that gives me joy.” 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 move- ment 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