In the heart of Uganda’s humanitarian response efforts, women are making a significant impact, leading operations that provide lifesaving support to communities affected by disasters. One such leader is Brenda Atero, the Operations Lead for the Bulambuli Landslide Operation at the Bunambutye IDP Settlement. Her unwavering dedication and commitment to humanitarian service embody the spirit of the Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS). She shares on what it takes to be a lady at the help of a humanitarian response.
What does a typical day look like for you in your current role?
Huuuu! A typical day for me starts with heading to the settlement, ensuring that all persons of concern at the IDP camp have access to clean and safe water for domestic use. I also oversee the provision of cleaning materials for washing latrines and mopping shelter tents, alongside general hygiene promotion efforts.
Beyond water, sanitation, and hygiene, my role extends to coordinating health services, Community Engagement and Accountability, and various other critical aspects of the response. A significant part of my day involves reporting and liaising with key stakeholders at HQ, as well as maintaining coordination with the district authorities, the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), and other partners involved in the operation.
Ensuring the well-being of my operations team remains a top priority throughout the day. Before wrapping up, I hold a debriefing session with my team to review the day’s activities then finally, I retire for the night, ready to do it all over again tomorrow.
Since taking the lead in the response last year, how has the National Society supported families affected by landslides in Bulambuli?
The National Society has provided extensive support to landslide-affected communities since the disaster on November 27th. Volunteers assisted in search and rescue operations and conducted a Rapid Needs Assessment (RNA).
Following the government’s directive to relocate affected persons to the Bunambutye Holding Centre, URCS deployed an ambulance with EMTs and set up a static clinic for medical services. Key interventions included constructing emergency latrines and bathing shelters, providing shelter tents, NFIs, and MHM kits, excavating refuse pits, installing handwashing stations, distributing soap, and ensuring access to clean, safe water. URCS’s contributions have been vast, significantly improving conditions for displaced persons at the resettlement camp.
“There’s a lot that URCS has done that I may not exhaust here,” Brenda acknowledges, reflecting on the organization’s extensive support.
What core values or virtues guide your work in humanitarian response?
Of course, all Red Cross values fundamental principles guide me in this and every emergency operation I have been part of.
Above all, humanity stands out. Having witnessed firsthand what people endure in the critical first 72 hours after a disaster, it is my love for humanity that keeps me going. Supporting someone who has lost everything including their entire familyre quires deep compassion. It is not just about providing aid; it’s about offering hope and emotional support during their darkest moments.
What are some of your key achievements since joining the Uganda Red Cross Society?
Wow! When I joined URCS, I had limited practical experience in Disaster Risk Management. But today, I can confidently say my career is on the right path. Through various response operations and implementations, I have gained valuable experience in Emergency Preparedness & Response, Early Warning & Early Action, and Restoring Family Links.
My management skills have significantly improved, and on a personal level, I have grown in emotional intelligence among many other areas. This journey has truly been transformative!
How can women with young families effectively balance humanitarian work and personal life?
In the humanitarian field, it’s easy to get consumed by work, especially with demanding targets. As a former field officer, I know firsthand how easy it is to lose touch with family and friends, but in the long run, that disconnect can be deeply painful.
Balancing my roles as a wife, mother, and field officer requires intentional effort. While I often manage my family remotely through voice and video calls, I also make it a priority to visit them physically whenever possible. Since I spend 90% of my year in humanitarian work, I ensure that when I’m with my family, they get 100% of my attention. Prioritizing them is not just important, it’s essential.
Have there been moments when your work has required you to step out of your comfort zone? Could you share an example?
There have been several moments where I’ve had to step out of my comfort zone during emergency operations. One such instance was on August 11th, 2024, when I stayed at the field until 1:00 AM to support households being relocated from Bududa to the Bunambutye Resettlement Camp. Despite the exhaustion, it was fulfilling knowing I was helping vulnerable people. I had to return to the field by 7:00 AM the same day, but the satisfaction of supporting those in need made it worthwhile.
Another memorable moment came on December 20th, 2024, when a strong storm destroyed shelter tents at the Bunambutye Holding Centre. After a long day, I received a call at around 7:00 PM that the storm had damaged four tents, displacing about 800 people. I immediately returned to the field, where we provided first aid to the injured and evacuated those needing more care at the static clinic. We didn’t leave until 2:00 AM, and by 3:00 AM, I was back at the guest house preparing an emergency alert for HQ.
The next morning, we were back on the ground by 6:00 AM, helping people recover their belongings, cleaning up the area, and ensuring those affected had shelter for the night. The entire experience was intense and exhausting, but it underscored the vital role URCS plays in such emergencies.
Bottom line, that day, I sleepwalked; physically and emotionally, but it was all worth it to see those in need supported in their toughest time.
How has leading the Bulambuli response shaped your personal growth and perspective on humanitarian work?
This experience has truly shaped me into an open-minded individual, always ready and willing to help whenever needed. If you call me outside of working hours, I won’t hesitate to answer because I understand what it means to be part of Emergency Preparedness & Response in a humanitarian context.
Through these experiences, I’ve also learned how to manage my emotions effectively, especially in high-pressure situations, because staying composed is crucial when providing support to those in crisis.
What is your favorite quote?
“Never get tired to do good. Favor will always follow you when you do good to others.”
Brenda’s personal motto reflects her dedication to service:
Her journey exemplifies the power of perseverance, empathy, and leadership in humanitarian work. As Uganda Red Cross continues to support vulnerable communities, women like Brenda remain at the helm, inspiring hope and making a lasting difference.
