URCS launches the “Humanity needs you” campaign

9 July 2024, 3:47 pm

By Byamukama Alozious

The Uganda Red Cross Society aims to celebrate 60 years with the “Humanity needs you” campaign, focusing on recruiting volunteers, expanding humanitarian efforts, and improving crisis response. The campaign promotes community engagement and sustainability through activities such as blood drives and resource mobilisation.

On July 31, the Uganda Red Cross Society will celebrate its 60th anniversary since its establishment in 1964. During a press briefing at the Uganda Red Cross headquarters in Rubaga, Kampala, Secretary General Robert Kwesiga announced plans to commemorate this milestone by launching the “Humanity needs you” campaign, encouraging Ugandans to join as volunteers or members.

“Sixty years is not a joking subject, if I may use this language,” Kwesiga said. “Few institutions have reached this milestone, and we are among them, and we deserve it because even the work we do outnumbers the sixty years.” He highlighted Uganda Red Cross’s active role in saving lives and protecting property in various crises, including the civil wars led by Joseph Kony’s Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) in Northern Uganda.

Kwesiga highlighted the organisation’s humanitarian efforts, including responding to natural disasters such as landslides in Bududa and Kasese. “We work with the government and all people, regardless of their origin, tribe, sex, or race. That’s why we are flexible in all situations.”

The Director of Communications, Resource Mobilisation, and Partnerships, Ms Irene Nakasita, elaborated on the campaign’s objectives. She said, “The Humanity needs you campaign targets various categories through different activities to raise resources and sustain our programs.”

“We aim to recruit new members, volunteers, and host blood donation drives in schools, workplaces, community centres, and other locations,” she emphasised. “To enhance participation, we have partnered with media houses to raise awareness. We have also opened up channels for direct support, including mobile money services like MTN Momo and Airtel, accessible through our website, social media platforms, and other channels,” she noted.

The Humanity needs you campaign, scheduled to run for at least six months, aims to recruit volunteers and members to support the organisation’s sustainability. Kwesiga emphasised that Uganda Red Cross relies on human support and hopes that many people will join them. Last year, the organisation supported 12 million Ugandans with various needs, establishing it as an outstanding humanitarian organisation.

Other activities under the Humanity needs you campaign include blood donation sensitisation, first aid training, and resource mobilisation. Kwesiga appealed for resources to support these activities and future preparations, emphasising the importance of public accountability. “We cannot keep relying on donations every time. The contributions we receive will be managed by a board of trustees and an international audit company to ensure transparency. So far, we have partnered with Vision Group and Nation Media Group.