The Uganda Red Cross Society has launched a five year strategic plan peddled at consolidating financial, institutional sustainability and service delivery in the country. The Shs235 billion strategic plan is premised on the unit cost of executing the various focus areas which include Information and technology (IT) systems.
The five year strategic plan was launched by the first Deputy Prime Minister Gen. Moses Ali who applauded the humanitarian organisation for swift responses whenever there is a disaster and emergencies.
Under the new strategy, the organisation is seeking to expand its territories and increase the membership which stands at 400,000 people.
“Uganda red Cross society has fulfilled its mandate especially during disaster and emergency times. I urge all of you to use a holistic approach and support the humanitarian organisation in line with the fulfillment of its mandate,” Gen Ali said at the office of the Prime Minister.
Gen Ali said that the Red Cross has tremendously scored despite various hiccups faced especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We recently parliament passed the Uganda Red Cross Society Bill recognizing the organisations’ auxiliary role across disaster risk management and humanitarian response in situations of armed conflict and other situations of violence, disasters and public health emergencies,” he said adding that the organisation was exempted from paying any taxes and therefore government is committed to supporting it.
The act further shows the Uganda Red Cross Society’s commitment to promoting and disseminating International Humanitarian Law, Disaster Law and the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and it awaits the president to sign.
The Minister of Health Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng applauded the organisation especially on deliveries and response to disaster, collection of blood, responding to traffic road accidents.
“The Uganda Red Cross Society donated a number of Ambulances in response to road accidents. We now have ambulances on almost every highway in Uganda. The organisation has swiftly responded to Bududa and Kasese landslides and offered humanitarian aid to all victims. We really thank you,” Dr. Aceng said.
The secretary general of the Uganda Red Cross Society, Robert Kwesiga said the process of developing the new strategic plan was vigorous and consultative from all stakeholders. “I want to appreciate the support from the Uganda Red Cross Governance structures, Branch network, staff volunteers, partners and the government of Uganda,” he said.
“The current global trends and local focus requires a world where teams come together for the good of the good of others. With all your support, Uganda Red Cross is destined for greatness. We are everywhere for everyone,” he said.
