Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS) in close coordination with the Government of Uganda, through the Office of the Prime Minister and other partners commemorated the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) in Kasese District. This year’s theme, “Empowering the Next Generation for a Resilient Future,” underscored the importance of preparing future generations to manage disasters.

As part of efforts to conserve the environment and reduce flood risks in the Rwenzori region, URCS planted 1,500 trees along the banks of River Nyamwamba. The event was led by Mustafa Kikusa, Assistant Chief Administrative Officer and Chairperson of the Kasese District Disaster Management Committee (DDMC), along with Frank Namara, URCS’s Emergency Project Manager. Representatives from Caritas Uganda and Save the Children were also in attendance.

Kikusa commended URCS for its ongoing commitment to disaster response and proactive disaster mitigation in the Rwenzori region, noting, “URCS has been by our side for years, helping us reduce the impact of disasters in Kasese. They’ve installed early warning systems, supported our DDMC, empowered vulnerable communities with community radios, and provided timely vital knowledge on early warning and early action.”

Frank Namara reaffirmed URCS’s dedication to environmental protection as a core strategy to mitigate climate change effects, stating, “Saving lives isn’t limited to providing relief or first response during disasters. It also means addressing and controlling the root causes of these calamities.” He further emphasized the significance of IDDRR activities in empowering the next generation towards resilience.

The United Nations General Assembly designated October 13th as International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction, encouraging all citizens and governments worldwide to contribute to building disaster-resilient comunities and nations.