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Uganda Red Cross Society urges mass membership registration in Pader

6 October 2025, 12:27 pm

Members and volunteers attend a meeting organised by the Uganda Red Cross Society.

By Geoffrey Okwong

The Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS), Pader Branch, has urged the public to register for membership in large numbers to strengthen the society’s presence and humanitarian efforts in the district.

The call was made on Saturday during an engagement meeting with volunteers and members from Pader District, held at Christ Church Junior School in Paipir, Kalalo West Village, Luna Parish, Pader Town Council.

Robert Ocen, URCS Pader Branch Manager, revealed that although the Red Cross has 51 branches across Uganda, Pader District currently has only three registered members — a figure he described as “very low and unacceptable.”

“Membership is key to strengthening our humanitarian network. We want to see many individuals, groups, and families joining to be part of this noble cause,” Ocen said.

URCS leaders briefing members and volunteers during the meeting.

He explained that membership registration costs UGX 50,000, while annual renewals are UGX 20,000. Ocen encouraged residents to register as individuals, families, or groups, emphasising that joining URCS provides opportunities to participate in activities such as disaster management, health outreach, first aid training, and community sensitisation.

Ocen.

Ocen also emphasised the importance of youth involvement, noting that young people are vital to sustaining the organisation’s future humanitarian work.

During the meeting, Mark Benard Okot, a resident of Lubele North Ward in Luna Parish, shared his past experience as a blood donor and student volunteer with the Red Cross.

“I still remember the Red Cross from my school days when they trained us in basic first aid and blood donation. I encourage both young people and adults to join and support this humanitarian organisation,” Okot said.

Okot on Youths and Adults – Luo.

The local leadership also pledged support for the Red Cross initiative. Charles Benayo Onencan, LC I Chairperson of Kalalo West Village, vowed to mobilise his community to work closely with URCS.

“We shall work together as one community with the Red Cross to ensure more people benefit from their programmes,” Onencan said.

The meeting concluded with a renewed call for unity and active participation from residents to strengthen the humanitarian work of URCS in Pader District.