National dialogue on anticipatory action on community engagement, early warnings

22 May 2024, 2:58 pm

By Annet Nakato

The State Minister for Environment, Beatrice Anywar, has emphasized the importance of collaboration and sensitisation for residents in disaster-prone areas.
She made these remarks today while opening the 2nd National dialogue on anticipatory action organised by government in partnership with the Uganda Red Cross Society, FAO, WFP, and the European Union held at Speke Resort Munyonyo.
The minister highlighted the challenges of relocating people due to their cultural attachment to their land and fear of the unknown.
Despite early warnings from the government and the Uganda National Meteorological Authority, many residents refuse to move, leading to fatalities.
Anywar stressed the need for education rather than forceful relocation, though she acknowledged that in critical circumstances, compulsory measures might be necessary.
Irene Nakasiita, spokesperson for the Uganda Red Cross Society, said they have been able to evacuate citizens in areas where there are snowstorms, thanks to the installation of smart devices that help in alerting citizens to the snowstorm.