As a statutory requirement, Uganda Red Cross on 24.02.2024 held a National Council meeting at the Golf Course Hotel in Kampala.
The annual gathering, chaired by URCS President Rtd. Bishop Tom Ebraim Okello, brought together delegates from 51 URCS branches, elected as National Council representatives to represent them at the National level. The National Council also brings on board 9 Youths, led by the National Youth Chair Person, to represent the views of the Young people at the National level.
During the National Council meeting, URCS gave out awards to different categories of people that included:
- Outstanding blood donors
- Branches that excelled in membership recruitment
- School links that hosted the Youth camps in 2023
- Corporates that support the Humanitarian work of Uganda Red Cross
- Randal Charitable Foundation that received the Henry Dunant Award, for their support towards the establishment of the Pads factory in Namakwa.
During the same meeting, URCS achieved the following:
- Jocelyn Rugunda reappointed as Patron of the National Society to lead for the next 5 Years (2024-2029)
- The Integrity and compliance Committee endorsed to serve a second term
- Speaker of Parliament of Uganda presided over the event as the key guest speaker.
During her key note address, as a guest speaker, delivered by the Soroti East Member of Parliament Hon. Herbert Ariko, the Speaker of Parliament Annet Anita Among pledged to support Uganda Red Cross to be able to reintroduce the Red Cross amendment bill (2021), a Red Cross Bill that has not yet been assented to by the President, yet presented on the floor of Parliament during the 9th Parliament.
She also pledged to follow up budget support and ring fence funds meant for Uganda Red Cross Society, as an auxiliary body to Government. This should help Uganda Red Cross to get funding and serve the country as per the mandates given through legislation (Red Cross, 1964).
The speaker lastly will use her office to support the National Society to access Members of Parliament to ensure that sessions are organised to disseminate Red Cross information to Parliamentarians. This will enable them know how best to work with Red Cross, and also support the National Society on areas where their help is required.
Uganda Red Cross was also appreciated for the unwavering efforts in providing sustainable humanitarian assistance during times of emergencies in the country.
The Uganda Red Cross Secretary General Robert Kwesiga hailed the Speaker’s commitment as a significant step towards giving Uganda Red Cross a strong back and foundation upon which its future is guaranteed.
“The Government of Uganda gave birth to the Uganda Red Cross through legislation. When the speaker makes such commitments, it is a clear sign that Government is committed to supporting Uganda Red Cross to be able to deliver on its mandates of serving the most vulnerable through saving lives.” Kwesiga said.
Bishop Tom Ebraim Okello, URCS President, commended the URCS Management and Central Governing Board for the resilience in navigating challenges posed by recent crises, expressing confidence in the organization’s ability to uphold its mission of saving lives and fostering resilient communities.