Uganda Red Cross Society has today received 1,250 Buffalo bicycles from World Bicycle Relief aimed at empowering its volunteers to overcome the challenge of distance while serving the communities in which they live.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Mr. Robert Kwesiga the Secretary General Uganda Red Cross Society appreciated World Bicycle Relief for the donation. He further noted that “the bicycles have come at a time when the National Society is grappling to find ways to ease mobility for volunteers in the field, noting that some of the volunteers walk up to 10km with a backpack moreover in difficult terrain to reach the communities.”
Mr. Sean Granville – Ross, Senior Global Director of Programs, Buffalo bicycles in his remarks noted that the bicycles are designed for rural Africa and meant to allow people challenged with distance to overcome the problem of distance. “We hope that the Buffalo bicycles will contribute to the mandate and mission of Uganda Red Cross Society through enabling the to reach more people quickly hence saving more lives.” The 1,200 Buffalo bicycles will be distributed through five regional hubs including Soroti, Lira, Gulu, West Nile and South West – Mbarara/ Nakivale.
Ross further committed that World Bicycle Relief will train mechanics within the regional hubs and are currently establishing shops to sell Buffalo bicycles spare parts that the beneficiaries can easily access. This will create opportunities for the young people to train as mechanics and also work in the shops. He further noted that “we understand that you have over 500,000 volunteers ,1250 is only the beginning of the journey.” Ends.
About Uganda Red Cross. Uganda Red Cross Society is a membership humanitarian organization incorporated in 1964, by an enactment of the Red Cross Act, Cap 57 of the laws of Uganda. Uganda Red Cross Society plays an auxiliary role to the Government of Uganda, to support humanitarian and emergency causes across the country in an impartial and independent manner, irrespective of race, nationality, ethnic background, political opinions or religious affiliations. URCS currently has 500,000 registered members and volunteers countrywide with Fifteen (15) Million beneficiaries and people reached during the period 2020 – 2022.
About Buffalo Bicycles Buffalo Bicycles is a wholly-owned, for-profit subsidiary of World Bicycle Relief, a non-profit organization transforming lives through the power of bicycles. Profits from the sale of Buffalo Bicycles help fund World Bicycle Relief’s philanthropic programs while building sustainable bicycle infrastructure in Africa.
Buffalo Bicycles is an initiative of World Bicycle Relief. It is a leading commercial brand of bicycles with a bicycle assembly facility and a storage capacity of 5,000 bicycles. They offer complete reliability and comfort and are dedicated to providing access to independence and livelihoods. Buffalo Bicycles have been forensically lab tested to withstand the rough and tough terrains of the country. The rear rack/carrier has a carrying capacity of over 100kg, and a durable seat with twin springs for comfort.