 TheRed Cross and Red Crescent emblems, the symbols from which the movement derives its name. | |
| Founded | 1964 |
|---|---|
| Type | Act of Parliament |
| Focus | Humanitarian |
| Headquarters | Plot 551/555 Rubaga Road |
| Location |
|
Area served | Uganda |
| Method | Aid |
| Website | https://www.redcrossug.org |
Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS) is amembership humanitarian organization in Uganda.[1] It focuses onhumanitarian aid andcommunity services charity in Uganda. It is a national member of theInternational Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement who draws mandates from theGeneva Conventions.[1][2]
The National Society was founded in 1939 by a group of women in Entebbe, then in 1941 it became a branch part of theBritish Red Cross. It has its headquarters inRubaga Road,Kampala.[3][4]
The Uganda Red Cross Society is noted as the leadinghumanitarian organization inUganda.[5]
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It was founded in 1939 by a community group of women inEntebbe, then later became a branch of theBritish Red Cross in 1941.[6] In 1964 under an Act of Parliament, the Uganda Red Cross Constitution was adopted bringing into existence the Uganda Red Cross Society as an auxiliary to the government of Uganda in providing humanitarian services.[7][5] A year later in 1965, the Society was admitted as a member of the International Federation of the Red Cross andRed Crescent Movement(IFRC).[5]
Uganda Red Cross Society has continued to grow over the years and it now has 51 branches and 30 sub-branches spanning the whole of Uganda.[8] The National Society also works with a number of partners in the execution of its mission. These include the Government of Uganda,United Nations agencies, international funding agencies, companies and practicing sister Red Cross National Societies.[9][1]
The Uganda Red Cross Society through the Ministry of Health has been involved in a number of health relief efforts including training of village health teams, tracing contact persons, supporting safe and dignified burials for cases of viral diseases likeEbola.It is noted that the National Society played an auxiliary role in ensuring that Uganda is Ebola free[5]
The National Society has also helped in ensuring sustainable use of energy resources for some refugee groups living in settlements likeBidi Bidi Refugee Settlement by encouraging the use of alternative energy technologies for cooking and lighting, among others, as a way of reducing the cost of living in these settlements.[10]
Uganda Red Cross Society operates under the seven fundamental principles that guide all Red Cross and Red Crescent movements worldwide:[11]
1.Humanity
Protection and respect for humanity
Promotion of health and life
Prevention or lessening of human suffering
2. Impartiality
Serving humanity without discrimination based on race, political affiliation, ethnicity, religion etc.
3. Neutrality
No taking sides in times of conflict or engaging in controversies of political, religious, racial or ideological nature
4. Independence
National Societies must remain independent in their decision making
No external influence, no strings attached
5. Voluntary Service
Services to the beneficiaries are free of charge
6.Unity
One National society in each country is open to all
7. Universality
The Movement is global in nature
The following are the core programs and interventions of URCS;[1][2]
These are the URCS core values:
| S/N | NAME | POSITION |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | ROBERT KWESIGA | SECRETARY GENERAL |
| 2. | DR BRIAN KANAAHE | DIRECTOR DISASTER RISK MANAGEMENT |
| 3. | DR HARRIET KAGOYA | DIRECTOR OPERATIONS |
| 4. | DR JOSEPHINE OKWERA | DIRECTOR HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES |
| 5. | IRENE NAKASIITA | DIRECTOR COMMUNICATIONS RESOURCE MOBILIZATION AND PARTNERSHIPS |
| 6. | NAPHTAL BAGUMA | DIRECTOR LOGISTICS AND SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT |
| 7. | ORWIN TUMUHIRWE | DIRECTOR HUMAN RESOURCE AND ADMINISTRATION |
| 8. | APOLLO ENGWAU | DIRECTOR FINANCE |
| 9. | ARMSTRONG ASIIMIRE | DIRECTOR BRANCH AND MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT |
| S/N[13] | NAME | POSITION |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Dr.Halid Kirunda | Chairperson |
| 2. | Betty Justine Anyiri | Vice Chairperson |
| 3. | Hon. Stephen Tashobya | Honorary Treasurer |
| 4. | Sylvia Achebet | Member |
| 5. | Joseph Mukasa | Member |
| 6. | Alex Luganda | Member |
| 7. | Aisha Nabukera Nnakeyenze | Member |
| 8. | Lawrence Kizza | Member |
| 9. | Prof. Vinand Nantulya | Member |
| 10. | Hon. Ssempala Kigozi Emmanuel | Member |
| 11. | Saviour Yoningom | National Youth Council Chairperson |
| 12. | Suzan Nayebare | National Youth Council Vice Chairperson |
| 13. | Charles Hamya | Member |
| 14. | John Muheirwoha | Member |
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
