The hills of Arua came alive this September as over 480 passionate young people from across Uganda – and even two from the South Sudan Red Cross – converged at Ediofe Girls’ Secondary School for the 2025 Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS) National Youth Camp. For five vibrant days (4th – 8th September 2025), the camp transformed into a hub of learning, teamwork, and service, reaffirming URCS’ commitment to nurturing the next generation of humanitarian leaders.
Drawn from all five URCS regions – Eastern, Northern, Central, Southern, and Western – the participants carried with them the unique spirit of their communities, united by one goal: to be empowered for self-reliance and sustainability. From the opening ceremony led by the URCS Secretary General, Mr. Robert Kwesiga, to the closing session officiated by the Vice Chairperson of the Central Governing Board, Ms. Betty Justine Anyiri, the camp radiated energy, resilience, and a spirit of volunteerism.
URCS Secretary General, Mr. Robert Kwesiga, in his opening remarks challenged the youth to embrace volunteerism as a pathway to both personal growth and community transformation. “The Red Cross Movement has always been powered by young people. Your energy, innovation, and courage are what make our response in communities possible. Take the lessons from this camp and turn them into action in your branches and beyond,” he urged.
A major highlight was the First Aid training and competitions, where youth practiced emergency responses to real-life scenarios such as fractures, bleeding, and unconsciousness. Guided by skilled instructors, participants gained confidence in their ability to act swiftly in times of crisis – skills they will take back to their branches to serve their communities.
The Safe Access Framework (SAF) training also left a mark. Through role plays and risk simulations, youth learned how to deliver humanitarian services safely and impartially, even in the most complex environments.
Beyond lifesaving skills, the camp offered practical lessons in leadership, community engagement, and climate action. Participants were challenged to design branch-level action plans on climate change adaptation and mitigation. This session reinforced the role of young people as key drivers of change in tackling global challenges at local levels.
and tree planting (courtesy of the National Forestry Authority), leaving a lasting green footprint in Arua.
Learning Through Play and Culture
From sack races and football matches to treasure hunts and campfire storytelling, the camp was also about team building and cultural exchange. The bull roasting ceremony and a memorable excursion to the majestic Arua Falls deepened bonds of friendship and gave participants a shared sense of identity as members of the global Red Cross Movement.
Achievements that Inspire
- 485 participants successfully trained and empowered.
- Hands-on sessions in First Aid, SAF, leadership, and dissemination completed.
- Strong collaboration between youth leaders, branch managers, and national executives.
- Partnerships with organizations like the Civil Aviation Authority, NFA, Kakira Sugar Works, and Movit enriched the camp experience.
A Model for the Future
The camp’s success demonstrated that when young people are given a platform, they rise to the occasion – as leaders, innovators, and humanitarians. As one participant shared, “This camp has not only given me skills, but also a family and a responsibility to serve my community better.”
The Uganda Red Cross Society is committed to ensuring that such camps remain annual platforms for youth empowerment, innovation, and volunteerism – because the future of humanitarian action rests in the hands of young people.