In line with statutory requirements, Uganda Red Cross Society held its National Council meeting on 7th March 2025, chaired by URCS President Bishop Tom Ebraim Okello at the Golf Course Hotel in Kampala. The annual gathering brought together delegates from the Society’s 51 branches, elected as National Council representatives, along with nine youth representatives led by National Youth Chairperson Eng. Saviour Yoningo to ensure that youth voices are represented at this key event.

In accordance with Guideline 5 (IV) of the URCS Volunteer Engagement and Implementation Guidelines, awards were presented to individuals and organizations that have provided exceptional voluntary service and support to the National Society. The award categories included:

• Award of Humanitarian Service
• Outstanding Blood Donor Awards
• Branches Recognized for Membership Recruitment & Innovation
• Branches with Exceptional Blood Collection
• Youth Innovations

Certificates of appreciation were also given to corporate partners and schools that supported URCS humanitarian initiatives in 2024. In addition to the awards, the meeting approved the appointment of Grant Thornton as the external auditor for the years 2024–2026.

Award Recipients:

Award of Humanitarian Service:

• Mrs. Yuniya Majara Byabazaire was honored for voluntarily composing the Uganda Red Cross Society Anthem. After retiring from teaching, she joined URCS in 1989 in the essential drugs department. A year later, as the organization celebrated its 25th anniversary, she was tasked with composing the anthem, a challenge she embraced with dedication, building on her previous work promoting the proper use of essential drugs.
• Dr. Singh Sikwinder received recognition for his decade-long service as URCS Goodwill Ambassador and Special Envoy in the UK and UAE. A member of the Jinja branch, he has consistently invested his personal resources to secure partnership opportunities and mobilize resources for URCS, contributing significantly to the organization’s development in areas such as child protection and health promotion. His efforts have led to strategic collaborations with entities including the Uganda-UK Embassy and Everton FC.
• Andrew Ddembe was acknowledged for his longstanding philanthropy, having consistently supported URCS for the past 12 years.

Blood Donor Awards:

• Walimbwa Robert (Budadiri) – 108 donations
• Otwao Joseph (Soroti District) – 106 donations
• Mudoti Samuel (Busia) – 104 donations
• Abbas Brace (Busia) – 102 donations (noted posthumously; he passed away in 2022)
• Walimbwa Sofat (Bududa) – 102 donations
• Echweru James (Soroti) – 102 donations
• URCS Kibaale Branch was recognized as the top-performing branch in 2024 for collecting 7,951 units of blood.

Membership Recruitment Awards:

• Bubulo Branch recruited 1,004 members
• Kampala North Branch recruited 1,005 members
• Bundibugyo Branch recruited 1,035 members by the end of 2024

Youth Camp Support:

• Ntungamo Branch Youth Council was commended for successfully organizing the URCS National Youth Camp 2024.

Certificates of Appreciation:

• Standard Secondary School Ntungamo was recognized for hosting the National Youth Camp 2024 and providing financial support for event preparations.
• MTN Uganda, MTN Foundation, and MTN Momo were awarded for generously donating 100 million towards the Kiteezi garbage slide response efforts.
• ABSA Bank received acknowledgment for donating 100 million towards humanitarian initiatives for Kiteezi garbage slide victims.

During his keynote address, URCS President Bishop Dr. Tom Ebraim Okello expressed heartfelt gratitude to the management, staff, and volunteers for their continuous efforts in mitigating disaster impacts and ensuring timely responses.

“I extend my sincerest appreciation to the Uganda Red Cross Society management and employees for consistently exemplifying innovation, diligence, and foresight. Your ability to handle both anticipated and unforeseen challenges with operational efficiency cements our reputation as a steadfast and compassionate organization.” – Bishop Tom Ebraim Okello

The President also recognized the foundational work of URCS volunteers in fulfilling the Society’s mandate to provide timely and sustainable humanitarian assistance during emergencies.

“Our URCS volunteers are remarkable individuals who embody the spirit of our work, serving on the front lines with bravery, dedication, and selflessness. We owe them our deepest gratitude. Their unwavering commitment is a powerful reminder of the impact of service and inspires us all to persevere.” – Bishop Tom Ebraim Okello.

During the meeting, URCS Secretary General Robert Kwesiga emphasized the National Society’s strides in digital transformation and resource mobilization.

“Over the past four years, we have deliberately walked the path of digital transformation. Today, we are leveraging technology to enhance efficiency in program delivery, volunteer management, and emergency response,” Kwesiga noted.

He highlighted key innovations such as the introduction of the URCS public-facing mobile app, a digital warehousing system for real-time tracking of response activities, and an automated human resource management system. Additionally, URCS has expanded its resource mobilization initiatives, including the launch of the Uganda Red Cross Humanitarian Response Fund to ensure long-term preparedness and response to URCS’s humanitarian efforts.

The Secretary General also underscored URCS’ commitment to scaling up disaster preparedness and climate resilience.

“We are setting up a Multi-Hazard Early Warning and Operations Center that will be equipped with state-of-the-art technology, enabling us to provide timely alerts to communities at risk. We are also enhancing our regional disaster response capacity to ensure faster and more effective interventions,” he added.

Furthermore, URCS has introduced innovations in health and social services, including an electronic disease surveillance system aligned with the Ministry of Health and a mobile fecal sludge management system that converts waste into sustainable products like briquettes and fertilizers.